UNC News: Bill Belichick receives meaningful message from Patriots HC Mike Vrabel

Bill Belichick is beginning a new chapter in his coaching career as he takes over ahead of the upcoming season with the North Carolina Tar Heels, a storied program in the NCAAF. Mike Vrabel, the newly appointed head coach of the New England Patriots, shares a connection with him that dates back to their glory days in Foxborough.

Together, they won three Super Bowl titles with the Patriots, so their familiarity runs deep. Vrabel, who began his NFL head coaching career with the Tennessee Titans, didn’t overlook this new step in Belichick’s journey.

In a recent conversation with the media he revealed that, although he maintains direct communication with his former coach, they haven’t discussed Belichick’s decision to join UNC. However, he made it clear that he wishes him the best of luck moving forward.

“I don’t know. I didn’t talk to Bill about his decision. I mean, we talk, but we’ll see,” Vrabel said on this week’s episode of The Triple Option podcast.

Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots talks with Mike Vrabel #50 on the sidelines against the Philadelphia Eagles in the first quarter at Gillette Stadium on November 25, 2007 in Foxboro, Massachusetts.

“I think three years in college was enough for me and I took off for the NFL. I’m sure Urban (Meyer) told you, he’ll tell you, Urban didn’t want to hire me. Or that was just his way of motivating me. And he did a good job because I learned a lot there. But I just felt like the pro game was where I wanted to be. And if Bill felt like he wanted to go down to North Carolina and try to recreate that, um, I wish him all the luck in the world … except when they’re playing Ohio State.”

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Could Vrabel return to the NCAAF in the near future?

Mike Vrabel began his coaching career back in 2011 when he joined the Ohio State Buckeyes as a linebackers coach. One season later, he also took on the role of defensive line coach within the same program in the NCAAF.

His results were positive enough that shortly after starting this new phase in his career, the Houston Texans took notice. In 2014, he joined the team as their new linebackers coach. Two seasons later, Vrabel was promoted to defensive coordinator for the franchise.

More than a decade has passed since his arrival in the NFL, now beginning his second stint as a head coach—this time with the Patriots. Because of this, Vrabel was straightforward when addressing the possibility of returning to college football in the near future: “Not right now,” he said. “No. No. Not right now.”