Rumor: Bill Belichick Out; Mike Vrabel In? NFL Experts Reveal New England Patriots 'Home Run' Hire
In the midst of the worst New England Patriots' present in almost a quarter-century, theories abound about Bill Belichick's future.
Some say an "outright firing" is on the table. Others suggest a potential trade of the Hall-of-Fame coach. Now comes a new rumor centered not so much on Belichick's departure, but more so his successor.
Mike Vrabel?
Though Jerod Mayo, who last offseason turned down head-coaching inquiries to sign a new contract to stay in Foxboro, is assumed to be the Pats' head-coach-in-waiting, Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio makes some sense with his Vrabel scenario.
Beloved in Boston (and by Belichick). A newly christened member of the team's Hall of Fame with three Super Bowl rings. A link to the Pats' glorious past, but also in tune with the modern NFL.
Will Patriots Hall of Famer Mike Vrabel be New England's successor to Bill Belichick in 2024?
Vrabel, of course, has a gig coaching the Tennessee Titans so a lot of dominoes would have to fall for him to wind up in New England in 2024. But Florio isn't the only one envisioning Vrabel leading a revamped, Belichick-less coaching staff next season.
Ben Volin of the Boston Herald this weekend offered his "Dream Team," featuring Vrabel as a "home run" hire as head coach, Mayo as defensive coordinator and the recently fired Josh McDaniels returning for a third stint as New England's offensive coordinator.
With the worst record in the AFC, no offensive playmakers and significant injuries to stars on both sides of the ball (including Pro Bowl pass-rusher Matthew Judon and leading receiver Kendrick Bourne), this Patriots' season is an unmitigated disaster. They haven't been 2-7 since Belichick's first season in Foxboro in 2000.
Though publicly quiet about Belichick, owner Robert Kraft is making noise today after a viral video of him speaking with his son - team president Jonathan - is making the rounds. In the video, shot during Sunday's last-minute loss to the Washington Commanders, Jonathan is seen saying "We're just not good enough."
Before the NFL Draft last April, Kraft went on record saying it was "very important to me that we make the playoffs” in 2023.
Belichick, of course, is seemingly unfazed by it all. The rumors about him signing a new contract last offseason, his current coaching security and even the string of close losses. Though he did admit Monday morning that this season was becoming frustrating.
Asked during his weekly radio visit on WEEI if this was the most disappointing season of his 24-year Patriots' career, Belichick offered: “It’s probably up there."
As for Kraft's rumored frustration with the team's play, Belichick typically shrugged.
"I think you’d have to ask (Kraft) about that, I don’t want to speak for him,” he said. "But, yeah, everybody’s frustrated with it.”
At Monday's press conference Bill was asked again if he'd received assurances from management about his status and if he feels like he's coaching for his job.
Said Belichick, “I’m going to control what I can control and get ready for the Colts.”
