On Sunday morning, ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter reported that Mike Vrabel has officially inked a multi-year deal to become the next head coach of the New England Patriots. This is a big-time hire for New England, as Vrabel was considered arguably the top available candidate. But Vrabel wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for his support system, including his wife, Jen. Let’s break down their relationship.
Who Is Mike Vrabel’s Wife, Jen?
Mike and Jen are college sweethearts, who met on campus at Ohio State when they were both Buckeyes. They took a class together and hit it off.
At the time, Vrabel was a star linebacker for the Buckeyes who would go on to be drafted in the third round of the 1997 NFL Draft.
Jen was also a student-athlete, as she’s a former volleyball player. The couple bonded over their shared love of sports and competitiveness.
Two years after Vrabel’s NFL career got underway, the Vrabels officially got married. The couple have two sons together, Tyler and Carter.
Mike and Jen celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary in 2024.
Jen has been supporting throughout Mike’s playing days, when he was a Pro Bowler and three-time Super Bowl champion, and coaching career, posting a 56-48 during his time as the Tennessee Titans head coach.
Now, the couple will start the next chapter of their life with Vrabel taking over as New England’s head coach.
What Does Jen Vrabel Do for a Living?
Vrabel, as many NFL fans know, is constantly traveling across the country for games in order to support her husband from the stands.
However, she used to work as a dental hygienist before Vrabel embarked on his NFL career.
Now, Jen spends her time as a mom and supportive wife. Both of her sons are now athletes, just like their parents.
Tyler Vrabel managed to make it to the NFL as an undrafted free agent offensive tackle out of Boston College, playing for the Atlanta Falcons from 2022-23.
Carter Vrabel, meanwhile, forged his own path through a different pair of cleats. He played baseball at Tennessee Tech University, serving as an infielder. He also had two previous stops at Wabash Valley College and Volunteer State Community College.
Vrabel Takes Over Patriots Head Coaching Job
NFL insider Adam Schefter reported on Sunday morning that Vrabel, who was described as “the most desirable coaching candidate,” officially inked a multi-year deal with the Patriots.
The Patriots entered contract negotiations with Vrabel on Saturday night and it seemed a deal was close, so this news wasn’t a surprise.
Homecoming: Mike Vrabel and the Patriots reached a multi-year agreement to make him New England’s next head coach, per sources.
Vrabel now is the seventh individual to become the head coach for a franchise he once helped win a Super Bowl as a player, joining Jerod Mayo, Bart… pic.twitter.com/LR3cpdHNQf
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 12, 2025
Vrabel had also interviewed with the New York Jets and Chicago Bears, but now he will return to New England, where he played for eight seasons.
This is a full-circle moment for the Vrabels. Throughout his eight-year stint with the Patriots as a player, Mike won three Super Bowls and totaled 606 tackles (including 412 solo), 55 tackles for a loss, 48 sacks, 13 forced fumbles, 11 interceptions, five fumble recoveries, and one touchdown across 125 games.
In 17 playoff games with the Patriots, he totaled eight sacks, 84 tackles (including 59 solo), four tackles for a loss, three forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries.
Vrabel also had 12 career receptions, and all of them were touchdowns, including in Super Bowl XXXVIII. He finished his career with 17 receiving yards and 12 receiving TDs.
Vrabel started 110 games and was a key defensive piece for New England. Vrabel made the Pro Bowl in 2007 when the Patriots went undefeated in the regular season.