Mike Vrabel is set to interview with the Patriots on Thursday for their head coaching vacancy. Given his previous experience in the role and his connection to the franchise, he remains the frontrunner for the job. He is projected to win the job when the Krafts make the decision, but they might have to move quicker than they want.
Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson is scheduled to interview virtually with the Patriots on Friday, meaning it would be a bad look for the Krafts to hire Vrabel before speaking to Johnson. Yet if they are dead set on hiring Vrabel, waiting might not be an option.
That is due in part to the Raiders' latest moves, which included firing head coach Antonio Pierce earlier this week. There were already rumors of Vrabel's potential interest in the job because of Tom Brady's minority ownership, which makes sense, and the job just got a bit sweeter with the Raiders deciding to fire their general manager.
Mike Vrabel might like the situation with the Raiders more than what the Patriots can offer
Despite claiming Joe Tolesco was going to be retained for the 2025 season just days ago, ownership decided it would be best to proceed without him and allow the new head coach to fill the position himself. That's a luxury Vrabel might not have in New England.
From what I was told, Tolesco was fired mostly because ownership seems to prefer having the general manager and head coach more connected—like a cohesive partnership—rather than something that feels more arranged or forced. Brady has lots of influence in Las Vegas.
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) January 9, 2025
If the former Titans head coach hopes to have full control of his staff and new team, the Raiders just moved to the top of the list. Although Robert Kraft said he would consider a new head coach by choosing a new general manager and letting go of Eliot Wolf, he didn't commit to that publicly. That uncertainty might be a deterrent for a guy like Vrabel.
Regardless of what Kraft will inevitably do, the Raiders are now the Patriots' stiffest competition in the pursuit of Vrabel. As one of the hottest candidates for every head coach needy team, this isn't the news the Patriots hoped for as they continue interviews this week.
They do have a more desirable roster situation, with a clear quarterback in Drake Maye, the fourth overall pick in the upcoming draft, and the league's high cap space to spend in free agency. That could be enticing enough for Vrabel to decide against all that would with the Raiders, but time will tell.