Reports suggest that Robert Kraft, the owner of the New England Patriots, is considering parting ways with head coach Bill Belichick following the team’s disappointing 5-11 season, which was their worst since Belichick’s first year in 2000. The Patriots have missed the playoffs in three of the last four years and have not won a playoff game since their Super Bowl 53 victory five years ago.
If Belichick does leave, Kraft may look to hire a former NFL Coach of the Year as his replacement. According to Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer, there have been talks in league circles about Kraft potentially contacting the Tennessee Titans to inquire about head coach Mike Vrabel.
Breer has suggested that if Belichick departs, linebackers coach Jerod Mayo is the front-runner to replace him. However, there is also speculation that Kraft may reach out to Vrabel, who was a key part of the Patriots’ first dynasty in the 2000s and has a strong track record as head coach of the Titans since 2018. Vrabel has led the team to four straight winning seasons and three consecutive playoff berths, including an appearance in the AFC Championship Game in 2019. This makes him an attractive candidate for Kraft if he seeks familiarity with his next head coach.
While Vrabel would be a strong choice, it’s uncertain whether the Titans would be willing to part with him, especially after his impressive performance as the 2021 Coach of the Year. If Kraft wants to secure Vrabel, he may need to offer a substantial compensation package.
There is also speculation about current Patriots linebackers coach Jerod Mayo potentially replacing Belichick. Discussions with Kraft last year led to Mayo turning down an opportunity to interview for the Carolina Panthers job, indicating a strong relationship between Mayo and the Patriots’ ownership. This suggests that Mayo could be a strong internal candidate for the head coaching position.
The potential departure of Belichick and the subsequent search for a new head coach could mark a significant transition for the Patriots organization. With uncertainties looming, Kraft’s decision regarding the coaching staff will undoubtedly be closely monitored by football enthusiasts and analysts alike.
