NFL Rumors: Potential Coordinator If Mike Vrabel Hired By Patriots

The Patriots haven’t done much to quell assumptions they’re going to hire Mike Vrabel, as signs seem to be pointing in that direction.

Boston Sports Journal’s Mike Giardi is one of the people preparing for that scenario, outlining possible outcomes should the hiring be made official in his column on Thursday — one of which listed New York Giants defensive coordinator Shane Bowen as a “name to watch” in the coming days and/or weeks.

Giardi connected some pretty clear dots:

The Giants defensive coordinator is on the hot seat, and it wouldn’t be surprising if New York owner John Mara pressures Brian Daboll to make a change.

Bowen was Vrabel’s outside linebackers coach from 2018-20 and became his DC from 2021 through the 2023-24 season. (though he actually called plays in 2020 but without the title. Very Belichick-ian). Vrabel brought in veteran DC Jim Schwartz to help groom Bowen for the role. His units were 6th, 3rd, and 17th in third-down success and first in red zone defense in his final season there after being top 15 the previous two. They were also 1st, 2nd, and 13th in run defense over that time. I like to call that the anti-DeMarcus Covington.

Bowen and Vrabel’s families are close, per Giardi.

New England still has to conduct an interview with Ben Johnson on Friday, but as soon as that wraps up the floodgates could open.