Opposing Coach Says Mike Vrabel Is ‘Modern Version’ Of Bill Belichick

NFL senior writer Mike Sando detailed on Monday how the 2025 New England Patriots may be “a modern-day version” of the 2001 Super Bowl-winning team.

The Athletic scribe noted that current head coach Mike Vrabel was a first-time starter with the group 24 years ago and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels was a personnel assistant under then-head coach Bill Belichick.

Sando also revealed why an anonymous opposing coach believes Vrabel is a similar leader to Belichick.

“Vrabel is a modern version of Bill Belichick — understands all the fundamentals and is really good at situational football,” the coach said. “The difference is, Bill would never drop the red challenge flag like he’s dropping a water balloon on his friend’s toe. Bill never would win a challenge or have a big call on the field and motion for a first down on the sideline like he’s Michael Irvin in the middle of the star.”

The 50-year-old former linebacker was one of Belichick’s biggest defensive stars from 2001 to 2008, collecting 63 tackles, a career-high nine passes defended, 3.0 sacks and two interceptions during his first season with the Patriots.

Sando pointed out a host of other similarities between New England’s current squad and the first title-winning group, notably at the quarterback position with Drake Maye and Tom Brady.

“Quarterback Drake Maye is in his second season, same as Brady was then, and while no one should compare the two players based on what we know about Brady’s full career, Maye has been at least as impressive this season as Brady was in the 2001 regular season after replacing the injured Drew Bledsoe,” he wrote. “Maye entered the Patriots’ Week 14 bye as the MVP betting favorite, after all.”

Ahead of their Super Bowl XXXVI win, the Patriots won their first AFC East crown in four years. Now, New England is a Week 15 victory vs. the Buffalo Bills away from its first division title in six seasons.