Pats Pulpit
The Patriots’ head coaching search
The New England Patriots’ coaching search is trending toward a two-horse race between Mike Vrabel and Ben Johnson, but one among them seems to be the clear favorite at the moment.
Vrabel, a former linebacker for the team and member of its Hall of Fame, appears to be on his way to become the organization’s next head coach. Some tidbits shared by NFL Network insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero on Saturday only strengthened that belief.
Vrabel is still seen as the “overwhelming favorite” to end up earning the job, a status that has remained unchanged throughout the process. Furthermore, his agent has also already talked about a potential contract with the club.
“Mike Vrabel is believed to be the overwhelming favorite to be the next head coach of the New England Patriots. If that doesn’t work out, Ben Johnson [is] also in strong consideration,” said Rapoport.
“My understanding is there have been contract talks between the Patriots and Mike Vrabel’s agent. So, potentially a big domino that could fall here in the coming days,” added Pelissero.
Vrabel spent eight years with the Patriots and as a cornerstone of their defense helped the organization win three Super Bowls. He later moved into coaching, including as head coach of the Tennessee Titans between 2018 and January 2024. Recently, he served as a consultant for the Cleveland Browns.
The 49-year-old is one of four coaches interviewing for New England’s head coach position alongside Johnson, the Detroit Lions’ offensive coordinator, and coaching free agents Pep Hamilton and Byron Leftwich. His in-person meeting with the Patriots’ representatives took place Thursday in Boston.
