This Reportedly ‘Hovered Over’ Patriots’ Decision To Change Coaches

As the outlook on the Patriots’ future became increasingly bleak, Robert Kraft didn’t have to search far and wide for a source of optimism.

It probably didn’t take very long for Kraft to realize he missed the mark on Jerod Mayo, who was hand-picked years ago to be Bill Belichick’s successor. The idea of changing head coaches twice in as many years is a daunting and undesirable scenario, but fortunately for the Patriots, an ideal recovery plan was readily available.

“The reality: Mike Vrabel’s availability hovered over the Patriots’ decision-making process,” Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer posted to X on Sunday. “In 31 seasons of ownership, the Krafts have only hired someone they didn’t know previously into a head coach or top scouting role once (Pete Carroll). When Jerod Mayo stumbled, this lever was there.”

New England certainly didn’t waste any time trying to fix its head coach situation. Mayo, reportedly to the surprise of some Patriots, was fired immediately after New England’s season finale. And Vrabel, who reportedly turned down an interview due to his interest in the Patriots, officially replaced Mayo exactly one week later.

Vrabel seemingly has the makings of a coach who New England needs at this juncture. But after only taking one candidate seriously, Kraft has set himself up for intense criticism once again.