Mike Vrabel just added another line to an already impressive coaching résumé, earning his second NFL Coach of the Year honor - this time from the Pro Football Writers of America. In his first season at the helm in New England, Vrabel guided the Patriots to a 14-3 regular-season record, captured the AFC East crown, and punched a ticket to the AFC Championship Game. Not a bad debut in Foxborough.
This latest accolade marks a full-circle moment for Vrabel, who won three Super Bowls with the Patriots during his playing days. Now, two decades after helping build a dynasty on the field, he's doing it from the sideline.
Vrabel stepped into the Patriots’ head coaching role with 14 years of coaching experience under his belt, bringing a blend of toughness, tactical acumen, and leadership that’s clearly resonated in New England. His journey through the coaching ranks started back in 2011 at Ohio State, where he transitioned from NFL veteran to promising assistant. He spent two seasons with the Buckeyes before jumping to the NFL coaching scene with the Houston Texans, first as a linebackers coach and later as defensive coordinator.
But it was in Tennessee where Vrabel really made his mark. Over six seasons as the Titans’ head coach, he compiled a 54-45 record, made three playoff appearances, and won his first Coach of the Year award in 2021. His teams were known for their physical identity and resilience - hallmarks that have already started to define this new-look Patriots squad.
Now, in New England, Vrabel’s impact has been immediate and undeniable. He’s brought a sense of stability and purpose to a franchise in transition, and his ability to maximize talent - particularly on defense - has been a key storyline all season long. The Patriots didn’t just win games; they looked like a team with a clear identity and a plan, something that had been elusive in recent years.
Vrabel isn’t done collecting accolades this season, either. He’s one of five finalists for the AP NFL Coach of the Year award, joining a talented group that includes Liam Coen (Jaguars), Ben Johnson (Bears), Mike Macdonald (Seahawks), and Kyle Shanahan (49ers). That award will be announced during the NFL Honors on February 5.
And it’s not just Vrabel representing the Buckeye brotherhood among the finalists. Patriots running back TreVeyon Henderson and Buccaneers wide receiver Emeka Egbuka are both in the running for Offensive Rookie of the Year, while Seahawks wideout Jaxon Smith-Njigba is a finalist for Offensive Player of the Year.
But for now, the spotlight is on Vrabel - a coach who’s proving that his impact on the game goes well beyond his playing days. From linebacker to leader of one of the league’s most storied franchises, he’s showing once again why he’s one of the most respected minds in football.