New Patriots coach Mike Vrabel isn’t here for a history lesson about the recent pitfalls that have plagued the Super Bowl-winning franchise.
When addressing the team in the first installment of the “Forged in Foxborough” web series, the former Patriots linebacker made it clear the focus is on the now and not what happened a season ago, when New England fell to a dismal 4-13 under first-year coach Jerod Mayo, who was fired in January.
“Somebody asked me, ‘Are you worried about what went wrong last year?’ Why the f–k would I care about what happened last year?” Vrabel said, as transcribed by NFL.com. “I’m worried about what’s going to go right today and tomorrow and the next day. We’re not worried about what went wrong. We’re focused on what’s going to go right.”
Not a whole lot went right for the Patriots last year, which marked the first season since 1999 that Bill Belichick wasn’t at the helm.
Despite opening the season with a 16-10 road upset against the Bengals, the Patriots spiraled by dropping six straight, including a crushing 32-16 defeat to the Jaguars across the pond in London that resulted in Mayo calling the team “soft.”
Mayo firing rumors only grew from there, with the team skidding to 3-13 by late December.
Although New England capped off its forgettable season with a 23-16 victory against the rival Biils, the W cost the franchise the chance to secure the top pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Mayo was fired hours after the game.
The Patriots moved quickly in finding Mayo’s replacement, tapping Vrabel in January. He was fired by the тιтans after six seasons in January 2024 and did not coach last year, instead serving as a consultant with the Browns.
Vrabel isn’t the only new face with the Patriots in 2025.
The team agreed to a three-year, $69 million deal with star wide receiver Stefon Diggs in March, giving rising quarterback Drake Maye a new toy to play with on offense.
The Patriots also added ex-Jets tackle Morgan Moses on a three-year, $24 million contract. Defensive end Milton Williams and linebacker Robert Spillane were among New England’s other free agency splashes.
“We’re building our own idenтιтy, OK?” Vrabel said. “… The overriding goal for the program that we’re going to build is going to be to win the division.”
New England’s quest to take the AFC East crown from the Bills begins Sept. 7, when they open the season against the Raiders. Their first divisional matchup is slated for Sept. 14 against the Dolphins on the road.
