Former NFL linebacker Mike Vrabel was announced as the next head coach of the New England Patriots on Sunday morning of Wild Card Weekend. Vrabel reportedly signed a multi-year deal to become the Patriots’ next head coach, but this is not the first time he has held an HC position in the NFL. Vrabel was previously the head coach of the Tennessee Titans from 2018 to 2023, a time in which he was known for hating to lose.
Mike Vrabel Once Lashed Out at Reporters After Losing Big Game With Titans
Vrabel has been a winner throughout his career. As a player with the Patriots, he won three Super Bowls in 2001, 2003, and 2004. And as mentioned, from 2018 to 2023, he continued his success as an NFL head coach with Tennessee, leading the Titans to three playoff appearances.
However, Vrabel was known for reacting poorly to losses. After one loss, he responded poorly when speaking to reporters after the game.
“Because it sucks to lose, Gentry [Estes, sports columnist for the Tennessean]. Did you have another thought? No, I’m just curious. It f****** sucks. Losing, awful. That’s why I want to win. Because you don’t sleep, you want to win for the players who bust their tail, that’s it.”
*NSFW* Time to bring winning back to New England, cause Mike hates to lose. 😅
(🎥: @MySportsUpdate)pic.twitter.com/Ass4ncYxPd https://t.co/AAGYZiIIPr
— theScore (@theScore) January 12, 2025
This type of energy is exactly what the Patriots need in the post-Bill Belichick and Tom Brady era. Since the departure of the legendary quarterback after the 2019 season, New England has only made the playoffs once, losing in the Wild Card round to the Buffalo Bills in 2021.
Belichick left the team after the 2023 season, leading the team to a 4-13 record in his final year. Jerod Mayo was brought in as his replacement, but he did not have any success. He led the Patriots to another 4-13 season, and as a result, New England decided to fire him after just one season.
Only a year into the post-Belichick era, the Patriots are on their second head coach in as many years. Fortunately for them, Vrabel comes to the team with a track record of success.
He coached the Titans for six seasons, leading them to three playoff appearances. And in 2019, Vrabel led them to the AFC Championship Game, where they fell short in a loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Additionally, after leading the Titans to a 12-5 record, Vrabel was named the NFL Coach of the Year in 2021.
It will be interesting to see if he can help the Patriots come out of their rebuild sooner rather than later.