The New England Patriots kicked off the offseason with a major change at head coach, replacing Jerod Mayo with Mike Vrabel. Following the final game of the 2024 season, team owner Robert Kraft wasted no time in firing Mayo.
Even before Mayo’s dismissal, Vrabel was widely seen as the leading candidate to step in. In fact, speculation about Vrabel’s hiring began circulating long before Mayo’s departure became official.
Recently, a surprising theory about Vrabel’s hiring has come to light.
During an episode of The Dan & Ninko Show, Dan O’Brien suggested that Vrabel may have known he would land the job as early as December.
“They have the money to revamp this roster, and I assume Vrabel has a plan. This was all in motion,” O’Brien speculated. “When do you think Vrabel was actually hired? The last four weeks of the season? Josh McDaniels even said he picked Vrabel up from the airport for his interview. Obviously, McDaniels was brought in after Vrabel knew he had the job. I think Vrabel knew in early December.”
This theory might explain the swift transition following the season finale. Mayo was let go without even addressing the team, indicating Kraft likely had Vrabel lined up beforehand.
While some might question the ethics of such an arrangement, the timing ultimately doesn’t detract from the fact that Vrabel brings much-needed leadership to New England. His hiring signals a fresh start and a chance for the Patriots to rebuild into contenders.
Regardless of when the decision was finalized, it’s clear Kraft and Vrabel are ready to take the Patriots in a new direction.
