The Patriots' offseason thus far has been far more impactful than any typical year for one main reason: the addition of Mike Vrabel as the head coach. His experience in the role from his six years in Tennessee has shone in Foxboro already and has been the much-needed change the team has needed since Bill Belichick departed last winter.
His no-nonsense approach is exactly what was lacking in the locker room and on the field during the 2024 season, but that won't be a problem on Vrabel's watch, as he has already called out one of the most prominent names the team signed in free agency.
That's the kind of attitude that Belichick brought to the team during his 20+ year tenure. Although Vrabel never coached alongside him, he exhibits many of the same values and traits that his former head coach prioritized throughout his career.
Considering the chaos that ensued under Jerod Mayo, the returning and new players needed that kind of reality check this offseason, which inevitably led to Vrabel proving that no player is off limits from criticism or being directly called out, not even if you're the highest-paid player on the team.
Milton Williams is already feeling the Mike Vrabel effect in New England
Vrabel's hard coaching style has been well documented, but it's not something his former players have ever discussed negatively. In fact, his brashness has been touted as one of the best parts of his coaching because he doesn't sugarcoat the truth, allowing players to learn from their mistakes and become better at their craft.
That's how Milton Williams, whom the Patriots signed to a massive contract in free agency, took Vrabel's criticism during voluntary mini-camp. He shared that the head coach called him out during a drill for not giving his all on a rep.
Patriots defensive lineman Milton Williams was called out by Mike Vrabel while running sprints.
— Ian Steele (@RealianSteele6) May 13, 2025
"He just wants me to just go ahead and empty the tank every rep"
"I don't mind getting called out... It's just going to help the other guys"
Exchange with @MikeReiss @ABC6 #NEPats pic.twitter.com/qspzPNRiR5
RELATED: Retired Titans player sends strong warning to Patriots about Mike Vrabel
Calling out top players is something Belichick became known for, as he made it clear that even a guy like Tom Brady was not off limits from being criticized. That appears to be Vrabel's mindset, and Williams is not upset about it whatsoever.
It's what a team in the Patriots' position needs on and off the field right now. Vrabel is known for being a player's coach, similar to Jerod Mayo, but in a much better way. Instead of seemingly letting the players run the team, Vrabel is clearly in charge yet remains approachable in how he conducts himself.
There is mutual respect, especially since Vrabel was once a player himself and also a head coach, so there is no issue with hearing criticism at practice. That didn't appear to be the case throughout the 2024 offseason. It ultimately culminated in players speaking out to the media about the unfavorable situations they were dealing with, creating even more drama for the team to handle.
Fortunately, Vrabel looks to be making a solid environment that players are benefiting from but also enjoying, even with the call-outs and critiques, to build a much more stable unit than we've seen in recent years.