REPORT: Patriots Owner Robert Kraft May Target Former ‘NFL Coach Of The Year’ To Replace Bill Belichick

If New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft decides to part ways with legendary head coach Bill Belichick this offseason, he might reportedly target a former NFL Coach of the Year.

The Patriots (5-11) have already clinched their worst season since 2000, Belichick’s first year as head coach. New England has now missed the postseason in three of the last four years, and the franchise hasn’t won a playoff game since their Super Bowl 53 victory five years ago.

Many expect Kraft and Belichick to part ways in the days following New England’s Week 18 finale against the New York Jets. If that happens, Kraft could reportedly go big-game hunting for his next head coach.

According to Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer, there have been talks “in league circles” about Kraft possibly calling the Tennessee Titans to see if there’s a way to land head coach Mike Vrabel:

“If Belichick is gone, linebackers coach Jerod Mayo is at the front of the line to replace him. Last year, discussions with Kraft led to Mayo turning down a chance to interview for the Carolina Panthers job, and a lucrative contract extension that dovetails with Belichick’s (both deals are through 2024). There’s also been speculation in league circles that Kraft could at least make a phone call to the Tennessee Titans on Mike Vrabel (remember, he got his last coach via trade).”

From The Insiders on #NFLPlus: Looking at the various options for #Patriots coach Bill Belichick and New England. One scenario involves bringing in a new GM — no, Nick Caserio is not expected to return — but there are several familar faces who potentially could. pic.twitter.com/NH29P3DZo3

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 5, 2024

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Vrabel was a key part of the Patriots’ first dynasty in the 2000s, helping them to Super Bowl championships in the 2001, 2003 and 2004 seasons. So if Kraft wants familiarity with his next head coach, Vrabel makes perfect sense.

The 2007 Pro Bowler has been head coach of the Titans since 2018, leading them to four straight winning seasons (2018 to 2021) and three consecutive playoff berths (2019, 2020 and 2021), going as far as the AFC Championship Game in 2019.

Of course, there’s no guarantee that the Titans will be willing to part with the 2021 Coach of the Year. If Kraft wants Vrabel, he better be willing to give up a king’s ransom.