Patriots Rumors: These Coaches Could Follow If Mike Vrabel Hired

The Patriots interviewed Mike Vrabel on Thursday, and they might have an idea of the staff he’ll bring with him if hired.

Vrabel reportedly is the “heavy favorite” to become New England’s head coach. This sentiment is felt across the NFL to the point where other candidates seem to believe Robert Kraft is locked in on one person.

If the Patriots hire Vrabel, he’ll have a deep pool of coaches to pull from, as pointed out by an NFL insider.

“Other assistants with ties to Vrabel that could be available: Bears assistant OL coach Jason Houghtaling, Jets RB coach Tony Dews, Jets interim OC Todd Downing (was Vrabel’s TE coach in 2019 and 2020, then the OC in 2021 and 22), Jets OL coach Keith Carter (not a player favorite FWIW), Raiders TE coach Luke Steckel, Lions DL coach/run game coordinator Terrell Williams (as a potential DC candidate), Giants defensive assistant Zak Kuhr (spent 3 years in Tenn, then joined (Shane Bowen),” Mike Giardi of the Boston Sports Journal wrote Thursday.

That deep pool runs in contrast to Jerod Mayo, who did not have many connections around the league and reportedly relied on Eliot Wolf to help fill his staff. Kraft cited his failure for not setting up Mayo to succeed and hiring Vrabel would be a complete turnaround for a more experienced staff for a young roster.

However, Vrabel isn’t a guarantee. Ben Johnson will interview virtually Friday, and he also would have a potential staff lined up. And after that, a decision reportedly could come quickly to name a new head coach.