Former Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel has joined the New England Patriots as an assistant coach, marking a full circle in his coaching career. Despite having connections to the team through Bill Belichick, Vrabel sought to forge his own path elsewhere before returning.
Vrabel’s journey began with coaching stints at Ohio State, where he worked on the defensive side of the ball from 2011 to 2013. He then joined the NFL, working under Bill O’Brien with the Texans as linebackers coach and defensive coordinator. This experience led to his first head coaching job with the Titans from 2018-2023.
Vrabel’s path to returning to New England is surprising, given his past connections to the team. However, he emphasizes that seeking out new experiences was essential for his growth as a coach. The Patriots’ opportunity arose at the right time, allowing Vrabel to complete his circular coaching journey.
Source: https://patriotswire.usatoday.com/2025/01/16/mike-vrabel-reason-seeking-coaching-career-away-patriots