The New England Patriots and the University of North Carolina both underwent major coaching changes this offseason, and quarterback Drake Maye has a unique connection to both moves.
Maye now finds himself playing under new Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel — a former linebacker who won a few Super Bowls in Foxborough. Meanwhile, his alma mater, UNC, made headlines by hiring legendary coach Bill Belichick, bringing the six-time Super Bowl champion to the college world in a stunning move many didn’t see coming.
Drake Maye on Mike Vrabel Taking Over the Patriots
Maye, who starred at North Carolina before becoming the Patriots starting quarterback, has plenty of respect for both men. He recognizes Vrabel’s ability to lead a locker room and sees the hiring as a step in the right direction for New England.
At the same time, Maye knows how important it is for his former teammates to learn from one of the greatest football minds of all time. When speaking with PFSN and other reporters at USAA‘s Salute to Service event, he shared his thoughts on both coaching moves.
New England’s decision to bring in Vrabel was met with excitement, and Maye believes his new head coach is exactly what the team needs to reestablish themselves as NFL contenders. When asked about having Vrabel as his coach, Maye said:
“He’s played in New England, been a head coach that’s had success. We decided to bring in somebody with some experience and knows what it’s like to handle the locker room and be in the locker room, so I’m excited for Coach Vrabel. And I think he’s gonna go out there and toughen us up, and I think some of us need that, including myself.”
Vrabel, who previously played under Belichick and won all three of his championship rings with New England, brings a hard-nosed mentality and a deep understanding of the franchise’s culture. After six seasons as the head coach of the Tennessee Titans (2018-2023), he’s stepping into a New England team eager to restore its dominance and desperately in need of a strong voice within the locker room.
Maye on Bill Belichick Coaching at North Carolina
While Maye is focused on building his NFL career, the news of Belichick taking over UNC wasn’t lost on him. The Hall of Fame coach leading the Tar Heels is a strange sight for anyone who’s followed football in the last 40 years, and Maye shared his thoughts on the unique situation.
When asked by PFSN, “Do you feel that you were kind of traded for Belichick? Like he goes to North Carolina and you to New England,” Maye responded by saying:
“I wouldn’t say traded, but yeah, I do. It was kind of a swap, so it was pretty cool. What a chance for my alma mater guys playing for North Carolina to get a chance to go there and play for a Hall of Fame coach. He’s won Super Bowl rings, so you know, cool deal for them.”
It’s not often that a coach with Belichick’s résumé ends up in the college ranks, let alone at a program like UNC. It’s an exciting opportunity for Maye’s former teammates and future Tar Heels to learn from one of the greatest minds in football history.
Pro athletes are usually passionate about supporting their alma maters, so seeing a six-time Super Bowl-winning head coach — eight if you count the two he won as an assistant with the New York Giants in 1987 and 1991 — take over at North Carolina is something Maye loves to see.
Plus, who knows? Maybe in the future, more Tar Heels players will be drafted by the Patriots because of their close connection to Belichick.