The Tennessee Titans announced on Tuesday that Mike Vrabel has been fired as head coach. That decision looms large for the New England Patriots, as discussions continue between coach Bill Belichick and owner Robert Kraft behind the scenes.
Belichick is believed to be pitching Kraft on a future with him staying on as head coach. It is widely believed that the Patriots owner is leaning towards a parting of the ways with the legendary coach, and one has to wonder if the recent news regarding Vrabel could impact that decision.
The Patriots wouldn’t have to fork over a draft pick to land Vrabel, and they’d be bringing in an experienced coach that already has established relationships within the organization. It’s important to note that Vrabel was deemed the NFL’s Coach of the Year in 2021.
So there’s no doubt that he’s one of the best coaches in the league. As a Patriots Hall of Famer and former three-time Super Bowl champion with the team, Vrabel would make for a smooth transition in the post-Belichick era, if that’s the direction the team decides to go.
But then again, how much different would another defensive coaching mind really be over Belichick, who still had the Patriots’ banged-up defense performing at an exceptionally high level in 2023? Signing Vrabel gets an aging coach out the door and ensures continuity at the top, but does it actually make the Patriots a better football team?
It’s something Kraft will have to weigh heavily as he approaches his final decision.
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