Bill Belichick theoretically lands on quite a few New York Jets fans’ most-hated people in football list. Former Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel could also be set to make that list.
Per the latest reports, Vrabel is leaning toward joining the team he played for, the New England Patriots. Gang Green sees history repeating itself in this story.
Jets Fans Relive the Bill Belichick Saga With Mike Vrabel
In 2000, Belichick, then associate head coach of the Jets, was set to take over as the head coach after Bill Parcells retired. However, he simply said at his introductory press conference, “I resign as head coach of the New York Jets.”
Belichick soon signed as the Patriots HC, and in a presser, had explained that unstable ownership issues at the Jets made him take this call. 25 years later, Vrabel is making a similar claim as well as per CBS reporter Aditi Kinkhabwala.
She took to X (previously Twitter) and broke the story. “Was told that Mike Vrabel’s dalliance w/ Jets was to put pressure on Patriots to make a move. With a young, incredibly promising QB (who improved every week despite very little talent around him), more cap space than anyone and stable ownership, of course the NE job ranks high.”
Was told that Mike Vrabel’s dalliance w/ #Jets was to put pressure on #Patriots to make a move. With a young, incredibly promising QB (who improved every week despite very little talent around him), more cap space than anyone and stable ownership, of course the NE job ranks high.
— Aditi Kinkhabwala (@AKinkhabwala) January 5, 2025
Gang Green couldn’t help themselves by comparing their present situation to that in 2000. “Damn, got used again by a coach headed to NE,” replied one fan.
“Used us just like Belichick lmao,” tweeted a fan.
Used us just like Belichick lmao https://t.co/Vp7zOisp26
— Ryan @ 🙀 (@RRadRyan) January 6, 2025
“Typical … Jets used for leverage,” a fan added.
“The Jets-Patriots rivalry never ceases to amaze,” responded a fan.
The Jets-Patriots rivalry never ceases to amaze … #JetUp #GoPats https://t.co/DyLNghpP4V
— Michael R. Cohen (@OpenMikeNJ) January 5, 2025
“Jets used for leverage lol,” added another fan.
“Used again…. I’m ready to spend the next decade hating Vrabel with every fiber of my being,” tweeted another fan.
Used again…. I'm ready to spend the next decade hating Vrabel with every fiber of my being https://t.co/YvImxUxsKc
— Send Rodgers through the Moon Door (@Jets343308) January 5, 2025
Woody Johnson Wants To Clear His Name
Vrabel’s hint at the Patriots possessing stable ownership could be directed toward a report that hit newsstands last month. Per The Athletic, the Jets’ ownership relied on the video game Madden for important decisions, like whether to acquire WR Jerry Jeudy.
Even their quarterback Aaron Rodgers had made fun of the ownership due to this report. However, in a recent interview, Jets owner Woody Johnson absolved his name and set aside the report calling it “absolutely untrue” and a “smear piece.”