Mike Vrabel vows to ‘remove enтιтlement’ from Patriots, ‘galvanize’ team after return as head coach

Mike Vrabel vows to ‘remove enтιтlement’ from Patriots, ‘galvanize’ team after return as head coach

The Mike Vrabel era officially began Monday in New England, and during his introductory press conference, the Patriots’ new head coach — and their former linebacker who won three Super Bowls with the franchise — said that each player is going to get a chance to “start over” after the change.

“We’re gonna earn the right to be here every day,” Vrabel said. “We’re gonna remove enтιтlement from our football team. We’re gonna get everything that we’ve earned, from the head coach to the position coaches, all the way down to the players. We’re gonna earn the right to be here every single day.”

Vrabel, who worked with the Browns as a consultant this year after the тιтans fired him following the 2023 campaign, was hired once the Patriots canned Jerod Mayo — their hand-picked Bill Belichick successor — after just one season and a 4-13 record.

Mike Vrabel addresses reporters during his introductory press conference on Jan. 13. USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con

He also interviewed with the Jets and Bears, but once the Patriots’ job opened, Vrabel immediately emerged as the favorite given his eight-year run with the team and contributions — marginal compared to others, but still a role — in their dynasty.

“I want to galvanize our football team,” Vrabel said in his introductory press conference. “I want to galvanize this building. I want to galvanize our fans. The most important thing are the players. There are some of them right here. I want to provide a program that provides their ownership but also their accountability of each other and one they’ll be proud to be a part of and that they’re gonna fight for.”

Mike Vrabel poses with Robert Kraft during his introductory press conference on Jan. 13. Imagn Images

Across six seasons in Tennessee, Vrabel guided the тιтans to a 54-45 record and clinched the AFC’s top seed in 2021.

His second chance as a head coach, though, includes a franchise quarterback already on the roster, with Drake Maye, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, impressing as a rookie and flashing the potential to eventually become the answer the Patriots have searched for at the position since Tom Brady departed in free agency five years ago.

They still need to hire an offensive coordinator, but across 12 starts and 13 games, Maye threw for 2,276 yards, 15 touchdowns and 10 interceptions.

Mike Vrabel walks off the field after the Patriots won the Super Bowl in February 2008. USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Vrabel, when addressing reporters Monday, said that Maye’s presence influenced his decision to take the job.

“I think he’s young, talented, willing to learn,” Vrabel said on “SportsCenter.”

“I think there’s a toughness to him. There’s an amazing skillset in which to mold and to have him lead our football team and lead our offense.”

Related Posts

Andy Reid told to quit as Chiefs’ head coach after team’s Super Bowl humiliation against the Eagles

Andy Reid told to quit as Chiefs’ head coach after team’s Super Bowl humiliation against the Eagles

Andy Reid has three Super Bowl rings and over 300 combined wins in the regular season and playoffs – but one radio personality thinks he should quit…

Bombshell report claims Travis Kelce is not retiring and is already quizzing Chiefs over fitness schedules

Bombshell report claims Travis Kelce is not retiring and is already quizzing Chiefs over fitness schedules

A surprise new report claims that Travis Kelce has already decided to keep on playing with the Kansas City Chiefs.  A report in The US Sun late Tuesday…

Colin Cowherd suggests ‘clean break’ for Travis Kelce, Chiefs as he contemplates retirement

Colin Cowherd suggests ‘clean break’ for Travis Kelce, Chiefs as he contemplates retirement

Fox Sports host Colin Cowherd wants Travis Kelce and the Chiefs to rip the Band-aid off and go their separate ways. Kelce said Wednesday he is mulling…

Travis Kelce’s ex-girlfriend Kayla Nicole breaks silence on wildly celebrating his Super Bowl loss

Travis Kelce’s ex-girlfriend Kayla Nicole breaks silence on wildly celebrating his Super Bowl loss

Kayla Nicole, Travis Kelce’s ex-girlfriend, has broken her silence on attending the Super Bowl and witnessing what could potentially be the Kansas City Chiefs star’s last game….

Surging Nets block out tanking noise, beat 76ers to move closer to play-in spot

Surging Nets block out tanking noise, beat 76ers to move closer to play-in spot

It’s not even the All-Star break yet, and the Nets have already won more games than they were predicted to all season. Get used to it, they…

Nets’ Maxwell Lewis makes improbable return six weeks after breaking leg

Nets’ Maxwell Lewis makes improbable return six weeks after breaking leg

Maxwell Lewis’ Nets debut on Jan. 1 didn’t last long or go well, as he was carried off the floor after just one minute with a fractured…