Last Monday marked the start of a new era in Foxboro. Mike Vrabel, a member of the team’s Hall of Fame, was named the newest head coach of the New England Patriots.
Vrabel will be the team’s third head coach in as many seasons, but fans are optimistic about the pick.
Eighty-eight percent of Patriots fans answered that they think Vrabel is the right option to be head coach in 2025.
Just 14 percent of fans thought former head coach Jerod Mayo was the best option for 2025 when asked after the team’s loss to the Cardinals in December.
The increased certainty that the Patriots have their coach also translated to overall confidence about the team. When surveyed, 86 percent of Patriots fans said they were confidence the team is headed in direction.
After falling to just 13 percent following the loss to the Chargers, confidence rose to 43 percent last week after the firing of Mayo before hitting 86 percent this week, the highest mark since the team defeated the Bengals in Week 1. The change in leadership caused a 73-point swing in confidence over a three-week period.
Now, Vrabel will begin to assemble a staff. With Drake Maye’s development the top priority for the team, offensive coordinator will be the focus.
Josh McDaniels was the preferred option by the fans. Fifty-five percent of them want him to return to New England for his third stint. Other options included Nick Caley, who received 16 percent of the vote, Josh McCown with 11 percent, Alex Van Pelt with 7 percent, and Todd Downing with 1 percent. Ten percent of fans want someone not listed.
