Mike Vrabel’s reputation precedes him.
Vrabel, much like he was as a player, has been a tough customer at every stop of his coaching journey. The former linebacker is unapologetically blunt and leads with unbreakable conviction. That’s part of the reason why Tedy Bruschi was “surprised” the Patriots named Vrabel their new head coach, as the three-time Super Bowl champion won’t be afraid to put any New England employee in their place.
Taylor Lewan also knows how Vrabel operates after five seasons together in Tennessee. The former Titans star felt inclined to give Patriots players a warning about his former coach and also made a prediction about Vrabel’s first team meeting in Foxboro, Mass.
“Ninety percent chance @CoachVrabel50 opens his first team meeting with this video, takes a long pause, then says, ‘What do I know? I did it for 14 years. Right, (insert player’s name)?'” Lewan posted to X in response to a highlight reel of Vrabel’s Patriots playing days.
Vrabel’s tough-as-nails attitude probably is what New England needs at this juncture. The Patriots played far beneath their standards in the last handful of seasons and needed a coach who could get the most out of players. Vrabel checks that box, and his admiration for the organization only should make him more motivated to right the ship.
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It won’t be easy, but Patriots brass clearly believes Vrabel is up to the challenge.
Featured image via Eric Canha/Imagn Images
