The New England Patriots have locked down Mike Vrabel as the team’s new head coach for a multi-year deal.

According to NFL Insider Adam Schefter, “Homecoming: Mike Vrabel and the Patriots reached a multi-year agreement to make him New England’s next head coach, per sources.”

“Vrabel now is the seventh individual to become the head coach for a franchise he once helped win a Super Bowl as a player, joining Jerod Mayo, Bart Starr, Forrest Gregg, Art Shell, Jeff Saturday and Jason Garrett.”

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Vrabel has been hired as the New England Patriots’ new head coach, replacing Jerod Mayo, who was let go after a disappointing 4-13 season, according to Schefter.

This comes just three days after Vrabel’s interview with the team, cementing him as the Patriots’ choice to guide them forward. This marks Vrabel’s second stint as an NFL head coach, and his return to New England carries significant expectations.

A former linebacker with the Patriots, Vrabel brings not only a deep connection to the franchise but also a proven coaching pedigree.

He spent eight of his 14 NFL seasons with the Patriots, winning three Super Bowl titles (2001, 2003, 2004) and playing a key role in the team’s defensive success.

Now, after six years at the helm of the Tennessee Titans, where he accumulated a 56-48 record, Vrabel is tasked with turning around a Patriots team that has struggled in recent seasons.

His tenure in Tennessee included three playoff appearances, an AFC Championship Game run, and the 2021 NFL Coach of the Year award, making him one of the most respected figures in the coaching ranks.

“I’m really excited for him, for his future, and I hope he has a lot of success,” said Browns offensive tackle Jack Conklin, who worked with Vrabel during his time with the Titans. “He’s going to work his a** off no matter what. He’s going to get the most out of players, and he’s a great leader.”

Vrabel’s path to the Patriots job began after a season spent working as a coaching and personnel consultant for the Cleveland Browns. While in Cleveland, he focused on areas like the tight ends and offensive line, further showcasing his versatility and ability to adapt to various roles within a coaching staff.

“Coach Vrabel is one of my favorites, just a rock-solid human,” Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski said. “He was a great help to this football team, a great help to me. … I think a team will be lucky to have him.”

Vrabel’s coaching career is defined by his ability to build competitive teams, especially on the defensive side of the ball, which will be critical for the Patriots as they seek to bounce back from a rough 2024 campaign.

New England ranked in the league’s bottom half in nearly every major offensive and defensive category last season. However, the team enters 2025 with the No. 4 overall pick in the NFL Draft and ample salary cap space to revamp its roster.

While the Patriots have significant holes to fill—particularly at wide receiver, offensive line, and defensive line—Vrabel’s experience in molding tough, physical teams gives New England a clear path toward rebuilding.

The hiring of Vrabel follows a highly competitive coaching search. He was interviewed by multiple teams, including the New York Jets, Chicago Bears, and even the Las Vegas Raiders.

In 2021, the Titans finished 12-5, securing the top seed in the AFC and solidifying Vrabel’s reputation as one of the league’s most effective head coaches. Despite two losing seasons to end his tenure in Tennessee, Vrabel’s success in the first half of his tenure has kept him in high demand around the league.

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