The cat’s out of the bag.
The New England Patriots are playing the worst-kept game of hide-and-seek with the NFL, and guess what? Everyone found them. Ex-Patriot Mike Vrabel is reportedly expected to be coming back to Foxborough, Mass., and fans are flipping their playbooks.
Some are already dreaming of a dynasty reboot, while others are wondering if this reunion is more nostalgia than strategy.
Mike Vrabel to Patriots: Fans React to Expected Coaching Deal
NFL insider Jordan Schultz dropped the scoop on X (formerly known as Twitter), confirming that negotiations are expected to be finalized “barring something unforeseen” between Vrabel and the Pats.
“The #Patriots and Mike Vrabel have been negotiating a deal to make him the franchise’s next head coach, and barring something unforeseen, the expectation remains that both sides will reach an agreement,” Schultz’s post read.
And fans are not exactly shocked.
“This was the worst-kept secret,” one user tweeted, embodying the general sentiment.
This was the worst kept secret
— NMH (@nosmh_x) January 11, 2025
Many felt this deal was practically done before the Patriots even parted ways with Jerod Mayo, with one fan remarking, “They had a deal prior to Mayo’s firing, as everyone knows.”
The whispers about Vrabel’s return to Foxborough had been growing louder, and now it’s almost official.
They had a deal prior to Mayo's firing, as everyone knows.
— Sir Francis of Flatbush, PhD (@FlatbushFrankie) January 11, 2025
But not all reactions are filled with optimism.
One fan lamented, “Should’ve been Ben Johnson smh,” voicing frustration over the Patriots’ decision to pursue Vrabel over other potential candidates.
should’ve been ben johnson smh
— brad guapovich⛄️ (@BallUpTopBrad) January 11, 2025
Meanwhile, a few couldn’t resist a little jab at the Patriots’ hiring tendencies, with one commenting, “Patriots always going with the ex players in house hiring.😂😂🤣🤣 Good on Aaron Glenn for declining that interview brother never had a chance.” It’s a move that’s been their trademark for years.
While some are ready to embrace the reunion, others aren’t so sure about the Pats’ future dominance in the AFC East.
One fan noted, “Vrabel is a good coach but people are misguided if they think the AFC East belongs to anyone but the Bills now. It’s their turn under Josh Allen. Payback for all those [Tom Brady] years.”
But despite mixed reactions, Vrabel’s on the verge of taking over.
Vrabel’s Return: Patriots Betting on Familiar Face for Rebuild
The Patriots are about to take another swing at the “former linebacker turned head coach” game. This time, it’s Vrabel, who’s deep in contract talks to replace Mayo, who didn’t exactly inspire much confidence in his solo season (4-13).
Vrabel’s résumé is hard to ignore: 54-45 over six seasons with the Tennessee Titans, including a 12-5 season in 2021 that landed them the No. 1 AFC seed. Plus, he earned three Super Bowl rings with the Pats as a player. So yes, this guy knows how to win.
The timing, though? Let’s just say the news about Mayo’s firing and Vrabel’s interviews with the New York Jets and Chicago Bears were a little too coincidental.
The question now: Can Vrabel bring the same fire to New England as he did in Tennessee? It’s clear that the Patriots are betting on his leadership to turn things around, but folks, we’ll have to wait and see if this is the move to bring the Pats back to the glory days.