During the Bill Belichick era of Patriots football, it was clear what kind of head coach the team had and what expectations he placed on the team. There was a no-nonsense vibe that the players had to abide by, or deal with the harsh repercussions Belichick was known to hand out.
Many believed it was time for a new "Patriot Way" after the head coach was fired, resulting in Jerod Mayo's laid-back attitude last season. But that appears to have inevitably led to the former linebacker's demise in his new role, opening the door for his ex-teammate Mike Vrabel to succeed him.
His time as the Titans' head coach makes it easy to know what kind of coach the Patriots are getting this year. After the disaster that was the 2024 season, Vrabel is very much needed in Foxboro to turn the six-time Super Bowl Champion team around.
However, it might not be an easy transition for veterans, especially those who yearned for more structure last season.
Mike Vrabel could test more than just Patriots rookies in new role
With the 2025 offseason in full swing, even more now that the draft has concluded, it won't be long before we see the kind of head coach Vrabel will be in New England. Most expect a more Belichick-like vibe to return to the sidelines, while players like Austin Hooper, who have already played for Vrabel, already know what they're in for.
After the draft last weekend, the tight end spoke to the media and shared his previous experience being coached by Vrabel. Given his particular coaching style, it wasn't that easy at first. That could inevitably be a wake-up call for several veteran players, besides a significant change for the incoming rookies.
“It was different the first time. I’m not speaking outside the family here – a very strong personality, a guy who’s played before, a guy who taught me a lot, and at first, it was a tougher transition. Like any good boss… it was my first time being around a head coach in that style.
...So there was a little transition… the guys I worked for in the past were generally offensive guys to kind of typecast style of coaches – offensive guys are typically more mellowed out. Defensive guys, you have to bring the energy and galvanize the group. There was more energy. That was my first time getting that experience. Of course, there was a little transition period of how your new boss wants things done. Once you understand of how to operate, he taught me a lot. I kept those lessons with me.”
It might not be easy for some of the most seasoned veterans to learn from and adjust to Vrabel's coaching, but most players who have worked with him in the past continue to sing his praises to this day for how much he helped them in their careers.
That's invaluable to those hoping to further their development and become the best versions of themselves as players. After the last few disappointing seasons, the Patriots desperately need a reset to be a competitive team again, much like the Titans were during Vrabel's tenure.
Clearly, Hooper is a spokesperson for that, and if he didn't enjoy his time with Vrabel, it's unlikely he would have re-signed this offseason.