What Traits Patriots’ Mike Vrabel Looking For In Offensive Coordinator

FOXBORO, Mass. — The wise decision to hire Mike Vrabel over an offensive-minded first-timer means the Patriots now have to answer their second-biggest staffing question.

That decision, of course, will be up to the newly-named Patriots head coach.

While speaking with NESN.com after he was introduced as the Patriots head coach, Vrabel highlighted some of the traits he’ll be looking for in his offensive play-caller.

“The versatility of scheme,” Vrabel said. “We need to make sure the players on our team are able to execute what we’re asking them to do. And if they can’t, then we can adjust the scheme.

“We want to be versatile, we want to flexible. But coming back down to being a great teacher, being a great developer and inspiring players to do their job better by making a connection. That’s the point.”

Reports surfaced linking Cleveland Browns assistant Tommy Rees and former Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels to the role. Vrabel is familiar with both, coaching with Rees in 2024 and playing under McDaniels. Vrabel did not reveal specific candidates, and instead confirmed the staff is yet to be finalized.

Regardless, Vrabel knows what he’s looking for.

“There’s going to be some good calls, there’s going to be some bad calls, there’s going to be some calls we want back,” Vrabel continued. “There’s no perfect call, right? The best call is one that’s decisive and that the players understand, and that they believe in, and that they have answers to. That, to me, is the most important thing.

“So that they can get to the line of scrimmage, or that they can break the huddle on defense, or they can cover a kick and they know exactly what to do. They believe in it. And they have time and there’s no panic under the play clock, or the offense is set and the defense doesn’t have the call. Like I don’t care how good the call is, it’s not a very good one because they’re not ready and it’s late. So, be decisive and also make sure the players believe in it.”

Vrabel will turn his attention to filling out his staff and working with Patriots executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf to determine the comings and goings in the personnel department.

Fortunately for Vrabel, there are a handful of candidates who could make some sense for the Patriots. Vrabel’s rolodex of former assistants is something he’ll benefit from unlike the last head coach in Foxboro, Mass.