Mike Vrabel Completes HC Interview with Patriots amid Ben Johnson, Aaron Glenn Rumors

Paul KasabianFeatured Columnist IIJanuary 9, 2025

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The New England Patriots announced Friday that they completed an interview with Mike Vrabel for their open head coaching position.

Vrabel played 14 years as an NFL linebacker, including 10 with the Pats (2001-2010), winning three Super Bowls. He served as the Tennessee Titans’ head coach from 2018-2023, going 54-45, winning two AFC South titles and reaching one AFC Championship Game. Vrabel most recently worked as a coaching consultant for the Cleveland Browns.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter previously reported that Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson is scheduled to meet with the Pats on Friday. Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn has declined an interview request with the Pats, per Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.

The Patriots have also spoken with ex-Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich and former Houston Texans OC Pep Hamilton for the head coaching job.

However, it’s abundantly clear that Vrabel is the leading man for the gig. For starters, Schefter dropped this report on WEEI Radio.

Carlos A. Lopez @LosTalksPatsMike Vrabel is “absolutely” the leading candidate for the #Patriots head-coaching job and it would be a “surprise” if it didn’t get done, per @AdamSchefter.

Despite there being several hurdles left, Schefter says it “probably” happens.

🎥 @WEEIAfternoonspic.twitter.com/SGMuxouB7B

There was also this note from Aditi Kinkhabwala of NFL Network in relation to Vrabel’s recent meeting with the New York Jets about their head coaching position.

Aditi Kinkhabwala @AKinkhabwalaWas told that Mike Vrabel’s dalliance w/ #Jets was to put pressure on #Patriots to make a move. With a young, incredibly promising QB (who improved every week despite very little talent around him), more cap space than anyone and stable ownership, of course the NE job ranks high.

The Patriots fired head coach Jerod Mayo, another former Pats linebacker, after just one season following a 4-13 record. This coaching cycle is filled with highly qualified candidates, including Vrabel, who has found much success as a player and coach and could very well turn this Pats franchise around in the post-Bill Belichick and Tom Brady era.

Vrabel seems like the no-brainer pick in New England, ultimately, and he’s the clear heavy favorite to land the job at this point.

It almost seems as if it’s a matter of when it’s announced and how long (and for how much) the contract will be rather than a question of who gets the gig.

In the meantime, the Pats are still without a head coach, but that probably won’t be the case for long.