The New England Patriots have been making significant changes to their coaching staff for the 2025 season. After a disappointing 4-13 campaign in 2024, the team fired head coach Jerod Mayo, who had been hand-picked to succeed Bill Belichick ¹. Mayo’s tenure was marked by disappointing moments, lack of team development, and bizarre media appearances.
The Patriots quickly moved to replace Mayo, hiring Mike Vrabel as their 16th head coach ¹ ². Vrabel, a former Patriots linebacker and three-time Super Bowl champion, spent six years as the Tennessee Titans’ head coach and has a reputation for being a culture-builder ³. He signed a multi-year contract with the Patriots, marking his return to the team where he won three Super Bowls ².
Coaching Staff Changes
Mike Vrabel: Head Coach, former Patriots linebacker and three-time Super Bowl champion
Ryan Cowden: Expected to join the Patriots’ personnel department, formerly with the Tennessee Titans and New York Giants ²
Keith Jones Jr.: Defensive coaching assistant, departed to become a defensive assistant coach at Appalachian State ²
Chris Mattes: Director of football development, expected to leave the Patriots to join Bill Belichick at the University of North Carolina ²
The Patriots have also been linked to several other coaches, including Ben Johnson, Byron Leftwich, and Pep Hamilton, who all interviewed for the head coaching position ². Additionally, there have been rumors about Josh McDaniels potentially joining the Patriots as their offensive coordinator if Mike Vrabel was hired as head coach ².
Reactions and Analysis
The hiring of Mike Vrabel has been met with enthusiasm from Patriots fans, who are hoping he can bring a winning culture back to the team . Vrabel’s experience as a head coach and his familiarity with the Patriots’ organization make him an attractive candidate.
However, not everyone is optimistic about the hire. Tedy Bruschi, a former Patriots linebacker, has expressed concerns about the team’s front office and their ability to support Vrabel .
Overall, the Patriots’ coaching staff changes are a significant step towards rebuilding the team after a disappointing 2024 season. With Mike Vrabel at the helm, fans are hoping for a return to the winning ways of the past.
