NFL News: Bill Belichick makes something clear about Mike Vrabel working as Patriots' head coach

Mike Vrabel has officially been introduced as the new head coach of the New England Patriots on a multiyear contract with the franchise where Bill Belichick won several Super Bowl rings. Belichick recently shared his thoughts on how the new coach could perform with the struggling team.

According to recent statements from Bill Belichick during his appearance on the Pat McAfee Show, where he is a frequent guest, he mentioned that he has stayed in close contact with Vrabel: “I’ve stayed in pretty close contact with Mike Vrabel and I have a ton of respect for him.” He also expressed confidence that Vrabel is the right coach to help the franchise return to success: “He’s a great football coach and I’m sure he’ll do a great job in New England.”

Belichick was not surprised by the Patriots hiring Mike Vrabel as head coach. He has long believed in Vrabel’s coaching abilities, dating back to his playing days. “He prepares his team well, they’re very good in situational football, they’re tough, competitors, smart… like he was as a player,” Belichick stated.

The New England Patriots have failed to return to the postseason since 2022, when Bill Belichick was still head coach. Belichick remained in charge until 2023, when Jerod Mayo took over the role. Unfortunately, Mayo couldn’t turn the team around, finishing with a losing record of 4-13, similar to Belichick’s final season.

Vrabel’s Own Approach: Not a Copy of Belichick

During his introduction as the new head coach, Vrabel emphasized that he wouldn’t try to mimic Belichick’s style. “I’m not Bill Belichick. I’m not Bill Cowher. I’m not anyone but me,” Vrabel clarified. However, some Patriots players, like Keion White, have expressed their appreciation for a tougher, more traditional approach. White admitted, “I miss… he’s my type of coach, like a hard-tail. I like that. I respond well to things like that.“

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Coaching Challenges Ahead for Vrabel

Vrabel has yet to disclose much about his plan for the Patriots, but he seems to have a clear vision for addressing both the team’s offensive and defensive struggles. “That’s far from solidified, we want to put the best-talented coaches in front of our players,” Vrabel said. This is especially critical given that the last time the Patriots posted a winning NFL record was in 2021 with a 10-7 finish. Vrabel also stated that he plans to build the team around Maye at quarterback moving forward.