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Less than 24 hours after parting ways with Bill Belichick, the New England Patriots reportedly promoted Jerod Mayo to be their head coach. It’s an interesting decision considering Mike Vrabel is on the open market.
Vrabel won three Super Bowl titles with the Patriots as a player. Immediately after the Titans fired him, people assumed he would go to New England to replace Belichick.
However, the Patriots clearly believe Mayo is ready for this opportunity.
In fact, the Patriots didn’t even reach out to a single outside candidate. That includes Jim Harbaugh, Ben Johnson and Mike Vrabel.
As you’d expect, the NFL community had a lot to say about the Patriots’ decision.
Mike Vrabel watching the Patriots hire Jerod Mayo: pic.twitter.com/l0ZuWi9PpF
— Jack Gentry (@jackagentry) January 12, 2024
“While I leaned Vrabel, I ultimately like the hire,” Mike Kadlick. “At 37, Mayo gets to start his own, new age, Belichick-adjacent culture with plenty of runway to build and grow. #Patriots players love him. They get their wish.”
While I leaned Vrabel, I ultimately like the hire.
At 37, Mayo gets to start his own, new age, Belichick-adjacent culture with plenty of runway to build and grow. #Patriots players love him. They get their wish. pic.twitter.com/rVPLuX6ZE7
— Mike Kadlick (@mikekadlick) January 12, 2024
“I’m glad it’s not going to be Vrabel twice a year,” Matt O’Leary wrote.
I’m glad it’s not going to be Vrabel twice a year https://t.co/G5Zuuf9S8g
— Matt O’Leary (@MattOLearyNY) January 12, 2024
“Mike Vrabel taking a year off coaching and being available when Ohio state needs him,” another person commented.
Mike Vrabel taking a year off coaching and being available when Ohio state needs him pic.twitter.com/kK6lL3xPVn
— Mark (@MDSmalls23) January 12, 2024
Vrabel could very well land a different head coaching job this offseason. There aren’t many candidates out there who can have his résumé.
That won’t change the fact that we’re surprised the Patriots didn’t even bring him in for an interview.