FOXBORO, Mass. — The Patriots are getting a head start on finding their Jerod Mayo replacement.
New England parted ways with its former head coach just hours following a season-ending victory over the Buffalo Bills, with owner Robert Kraft announcing the decision in a lengthy statement. It’s expected that the hiring process for a replacement will involve numerous candidates, one of which we already know.
Mike Vrabel is “among the candidates they are expected to interview,” according to Mike Reiss of ESPN.
Vrabel has been the most popular candidate floated for numerous reasons, with NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport immediately mentioning his name when discussing potential replacements for Mayo. It’s easy to see the reason why, as the 49-year-old has experience coaching elsewhere and found tons of success as the head man for the Tennessee Titans. New England is also familiar to him, as he previously won three championships with the organization as a player.
Vrabel has either completed or accepted interviews with the New York Jets, New Orleans Saints and Chicago Bears, according to Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic.
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The Patriots have a clear cultural issue, and if they’re looking to change that, this is the one man known for his ability to establish a great culture. New England hasn’t confirmed the interview, but you can expect that it will take place relatively soon.
Featured image via Bob Donnan/Imagn Images
