There’s a long list of names for New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel to work through as possible offensive and defensive coordinator candidates for his staff.
However, NFL insider Albert Breer believes one name in particular could be of interest to Vrabel on the defensive side of the ball: New York Giants defensive coordinator Shane Bowen.
“I think if Mike had his choice, it’d be Shane Bowen … but Shane is now with the Giants, and I don’t think they’re gonna be able to get him out of there,” Breer said, when appearing on NBC Sports Boston’s “Arbella Early Edition.”
Bowen was hired for the role with the Giants this season after a three-year stint with the Tennessee Titans, where he worked under Vrabel.
The 2021 Titans’ defense was particularly successful under Bowen. The team only allowed 84.6 rushing yards per game, which was second in the NFL. They also had the sixth-ranked scoring defense with the team allowing an average of 20.8 points per game.
Time will tell who Vrabel ultimately settles on as the next defensive coordinator for the Patriots. Will it be someone new or a familiar face from the past?