The New England Patriots decided to part ways with the legendary Bill Belichick. Belichick won 6 Super Bowls with the Patriots and established himself as one of the greatest coaches of all time during his 24-year run in New England.
However, the Patriots have struggled mightily in the last few years. The Patriots are 12-22 over their last 2 seasons and the team decided a fresh start is the right step.
With that being said, let’s identify 5 coaches who would make sense in New England after Belichick.
ex-Tennessee Titans HC Mike Vrabel
The Tennessee Titans made the surprising decision to fire Mike Vrabel after back-to-back losing seasons. Reports indicate the firing was in part due to Vrabel’s personality clashing with owner Amy Adams Strunk. We know that Vrabel wouldn’t clash with Robert Kraft after his passionate speech back in October while being inducted into the New England Patriots Hall of Fame.
Many in the Patriots’ organization would consider Vrabel a “home run hire” for the team. Would the team go with another defensive coach, or is an offensive mind more desired? It’s no secret that Vrabel is one of the top coaches available and will be considered.
New England Patriots ILB coach Jerod Mayo
Perhaps no candidate is more familiar with the Patriots than Mayo. The linebacker spent his entire playing career with the team and has been on the coaching staff since 2019. Mayo has overseen elite defenses and is well-respected by the organization.
The former LB would be another defensive-minded coach who is familiar with the organization just like Vrabel. However, Mayo is younger and has no head coaching experience. It’s clear that players love him, though, and he’s a New England guy all the way.
Detroit Lions OC Ben Johnson
Johnson is one of the hottest names in the coaching carousel after completely transforming the Detroit Lions’ offense. Johnson would be a completely different hire than the aforementioned Mayo and Vrabel, as Johnson is not a former Patriot and is not a defensive-minded coach.
Perhaps Kraft wants to shake things up, however. A young, offensive mastermind would breathe new life into one of the league’s most anemic units. Johnson has been mentioned as a candidate for every available job, however, so Kraft would certainly have to pay up.
Minnesota Vikings DC Brian Flores
Brian Flores spent over a decade as a member of Bill Belichick’s staff in New England. Flores oversaw elite defenses and was respected by his players. The job he did at New England led to a head coaching gig with the Miami Dolphins.
Many were surprised that the Dolphins let go of Flores after a winning season, and that decision has since led to legal action by Flores. Since then, Flores has been an assistant with the Pittsburgh Steelers and is currently the DC for the Minnesota Vikings.
Flores is a good coach and is a bright defensive mind.
Michigan Wolverines HC Jim Harbaugh
If Kraft wants to swing for the fences, there may not be a better option than Jim Harbaugh. Fresh off of a national title with the Wolverines, the coach could be looking for a jump back to the NFL.
Keep in mind that Belichick was the general manager as well as the head coach. Harbaugh is used to the grind of recruiting and coaching in college, so a dual GM-HC role would not intimidate him. Harbaugh has won everywhere he has been, getting the San Francisco 49ers to a Super Bowl and now winning the National Championship with the Wolverines. While unlikely, this would be a newsworthy hire.