Report: Patriots in talks to make Mike Vrabel their next head coach

In news that will surprise no one, the Patriots are in contract negotiations with Mike Vrabel to become their next head coach, Nicole Yang of The Boston Globe reports.

Vrabel, who is in the Patriots Hall of Fame for his eight seasons with the team, was the favorite for the job when the Patriots fired Jerod Mayo after just one season.

The Patriots also interviewed Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson on Friday, and followed the Rooney rule by talking to Byron Leftwich and Pep Hamilton, who are both out of the league. Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn declined their request for an interview.

Vrabel also interviewed the Jets and the Bears.

Vrabel sat out the 2024 season after the Titans fired him following the 2023 season. He was 54-45 in seven seasons at Tennessee, with three postseason appearances and a 2-3 postseason record.

The Patriots are 8-26 the last two seasons with Bill Belichick and then Mayo as head coach.