NFL Rumors: New Details On Mike Vrabel’s Interest In Patriots Job

The Patriots are about to embark on a head-coaching search, but there already might be a leader of the pack for the gig in New England.

Robert Kraft needs to find a new head coach after firing Jerod Mayo on Sunday. The Patriots will have to go through a more conventional hiring process this time around, as unique contract language allowed New England to immediately promote Mayo after cutting ties with Bill Belichick last year.

That said, the end result could be a similar one: The Patriots hiring a coach who once was a standout player in Foxboro, Mass. Mike Vrabel taking the helm in New England would make a lot of sense, and it’s reportedly a position he’s had his eyes on for some time.

“Sources close to the situation believe Vrabel has shown interest in the Patriots’ potential vacancy in recent weeks,” The Athletic’s Chad Graff wrote in a column published Sunday. “He also was interested in the Patriots gig a year ago after their split with Belichick before learning that Mayo had already been earmarked for the job.”

While Vrabel might be the frontrunner to replace Mayo, the Patriots reportedly are expected to conduct a “wide-ranging search” for their new head coach. Candidates to keep an eye on reportedly include a pair of gifted offensive minds: Detroit’s Ben Johnson and Tampa Bay’s Liam Coen.

And after whiffing on its last coaching backfill, it would behoove New England to leave no stone unturned this time around.