The New England Patriots wasted no time beginning their search for a new head coach following the dismissal of Jerod Mayo on Sunday. By Tuesday, the team announced that they had already completed interviews with Byron Leftwich and Pep Hamilton, thereby fulfilling their obligation under the Rooney Rule, which requires teams to interview minority candidates for head coaching and senior football operations positions.
With this requirement met, the Patriots are now free to hire their next head coach at any time. Reports suggest their top target, former Patriots player and three-time Super Bowl champion Mike Vrabel, is scheduled to meet with the organization on Thursday. This potential move raises questions about whether Patriots owner Robert Kraft might be repeating history by focusing solely on Vrabel. While Vrabel brings five years of head coaching experience from his time with the Tennessee Titans, Kraft’s apparent tunnel vision could limit the team’s options.
Previously, Kraft was so determined to hire Mayo as Bill Belichick’s replacement that he overlooked other candidates, including Vrabel. While Vrabel’s experience and ties to the Patriots make him an attractive choice, some argue that the team should shift its focus to a coach with an offensive background, particularly given the team’s struggles in that area.
Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson is one such candidate who fits the bill perfectly. Known as one of the most innovative offensive minds in the NFL, Johnson has garnered widespread praise for his ability to craft dynamic game plans and maximize talent. The Patriots reportedly have an interview scheduled with him, and his hiring could bring a fresh approach to New England’s offense. Pairing Johnson with a promising young quarterback like Drake Maye could potentially rejuvenate the Patriots’ struggling offense.
However, there’s a risk that the Patriots may approach this search as a formality, which could cost them a chance to land Johnson. As an in-demand candidate, Johnson is expected to be selective about the teams he interviews with and could decline further discussions if he senses a lack of genuine interest or effort from Kraft and the Patriots.
While Vrabel’s experience and ties to the franchise are undeniable, a shift toward offensive innovation might better position the Patriots for success. The upcoming interview with Johnson represents an opportunity for New England to explore a forward-thinking approach to rebuilding the team. Ultimately, Kraft and the Patriots must decide whether to lean on familiarity or embrace change in their quest for a new leader.
