As the NFL season enters its final evolution, the attention is beginning to shift to the coaching carousel, with many teams looking to fill their head coaching vacancies. Some of the most intriguing candidates, in my opinion, are Mike Vrabel, former head coach of the Titans, and Ben Johnson, the whiz kid offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions.
Mike Vrabel back to the Patriots?
After the Patriots parted ways with Jerod Mayo after one poor season, they desperately need a coach who can restore them to their former glory. As a Patriots fan, I look at Vrabel as the clear and obvious choice. The Pats need a culture guy. Someone who can bring the Do Your Job mentality back to Foxboro, and hire competent, quality coordinators around him. Mike Vrabel has a rich history with the Patriots, recently becoming a member of the Patriots HOF. One has to wonder if Vrabel is compelled for his next stint in the league to be bringing his former team back to greatness.
- Culture and Defense: Vrabel is undeniably a defensive coach. In an offensively dominated league, particularly with a rookie quarterback, I understand why some might hesitate about appointing another defensive-minded coach to lead the Patriots. However, Vrabel has had success hiring coordinators around him. Arthur Smith and Matt LaFleur both spent time with the Titans. Hopefully this is a sign he could make a similar coaching hire for New England. Lastly, his ability to change a culture is probably his most important attribute. He took a losing, to average culture in Tennessee, and made them the one seed. A team that has the No. 1 overall pick in this years draft, and won 3 less games with Vrabel’s departure.
Could Ben Johnson Do the Unthinkable?
The Bears have a legacy of a defensive, “punch you in the mouth” culture. Having NEVER had a 4,000 yard passer, they are absolutely in need of a brilliant offensive mind to support their promising rookie quarterback. The Bears offense on paper is actually stellar. The line play is lacking, but they are undeniably above average at the skill areas, something a stud like Ben Johnson could work with. The catch would be, would Johnson turn to the dark side and play for a massive divisional rival to the Lions?
- From Coordinator to Coach: Nobody denies that the transition from NFL coordinator to coach is a massive one. We have seen many prior coordinators fail after being promoted. How Ben Johnson will handle this leap is going to be very interesting to watch. Not to mention that the pressure that comes with being the head coach of a historic franchise is immense.
Other Vacancies and Candidates
The Jacksonville Jaguars, New York Jets, New Orleans Saints, and Las Vegas Raiders also have vacancies. However, I don’t think any of these teams are as attractive as the Chicago and New England jobs.
- Jaguars: Trevor Lawrence is about the only intriguing part of the Jags. Even then, Lawrence’s career has been underwhelming to say the least. Brian Thomas Jr. is a stud as well, but Jacksonville is just riddled with chaos, and I wouldn’t want that job.
- Jets: I don’t even know what to say about the Jets. They are just anarchy at every level. Not to mention Rodger’s return is uncertain so there will most likely be a massive QB vacancy.
- Saints: The Saints are another one. Really don’t know what to make of this. No QB, unless you have faith in Spencer Rattler, and a couple of pieces on both sides of the ball. Until the QB situation is figured out, I really don’t have any comments.
- Raiders: I actually think the Raiders job may be sneaky good. While they don’t win many games, the Maxx Crosbys of the team lend to a very hard nose culture that has been around for decades. Also the GOAT Tom Brady as a part owner is an incentive as well. I don’t think they are that far off, proving to be able to beat divisional rivals like the Chiefs in the past.
Conclusion
The 2025 season is going to be an interesting one to say the least. For all of the aforementioned teams, this hiring process is absolutely essential for future success in more ways to one. The more these teams miss on hiring the right head coach, the closer they get to descending into chaos. As mentioned, I think whoever lands Johnson and Vrabel will have the best odds going into the regular season.
-Tyler S @twoandahalfvirgins