FOXBORO — A new authority has arrived. Well, in a way.
After dedicating most of his professional life as aNew England Patriotslinebacker, Mike Vrabel serves as the team’s head coach. He is the third head coach to hold this role in Foxboro over the past three years, following Jerod Mayo’s effort to become Bill Belichick’s replacement.
Cornerback Christian Gonzalez, tight end Hunter Henry, and All-Pro special teams player Brenden Schooler have all played under the three coaches. Each addressed the media on Tuesday before training camp at Gillette Stadium, which starts on July 23, and emphasized that a new chapter has begun in New England.
Athletes claim Vrabel enforces responsibility
Coach Vrabel brings a unique atmosphere. He offers a different approach,” Schooler stated. “You aren’t intimidated, but you realize he’s not someone to take lightly. If you aren’t clear about precisely what he wants and how you’re expected to do it, I don’t think players would stay.
Vrabel mentioned that he is concentrating on bringing the team “together” and allowing players to prove themselves and secure a position on the squad. He intends to achieve this by leveraging his experience, not only as a coach (having been named NFL Coach of the Year with the Titans in 2021) but also as a player.
Over my 14-year career, I’ve held many positions, from special teams to being a backup and eventually a starter,” Vrabel stated. “There are various levels to what that role entails, and it’s up to them to work for it.
Schooler mentioned that Vrabel brings “excitement” due to his experience wearing pads and a helmet.
Mayo is also a former Patriot, a 2010 All-Pro linebacker who recorded over 800 tackles throughout his career. Defensive lineman Keion White mentioned to reporters in June that he respects Vrabel for being willing to “get in the trenches” with the defense.
However, even on the opposite side of the field, Vrabel’s tough, involved coaching approach has earned trust and admiration from the three-time Super Bowl winner.
Enjoying his company as an individual, as well as developing a relationship, and also as a coach — it’s been very enjoyable,” Henry said. “He has achieved success at a high level as a coach, and he has also done so at the same level as we players do.
Henry also stated that Vrabel’s straightforward approach benefits the team, pointing out an aspect frequently criticized during Mayo’s single season as head coach — consistency.
We all require responsibility,” Henry stated. “I believe he provides that every single day. I think he is the same person every day as far as I can tell. I think he will keep being that way, and that’s all you can expect from your head coach.
Patriots looking for consistency
Efforts to establish consistency have been ongoing in New England for many years, beginning with the departure of Tom Brady and progressing through the team’s post-Belichick restructuring. The absence of this consistency presents challenges for a young squad, as its less experienced players strive to adapt to the league.
Since moving from Colorado to Oregon in 2022, Gonzalez has had a different head coach each season. He didn’t share his thoughts on Vrabel as a coach, but discussed the changes he’s made over the years — focusing on simplicity to become the “best version” of himself.
Every coach has their own approach,” Gonzalez stated. “However, it’s ultimately about playing football.
This piece first was published in The Providence Journal:Before training camp, Patriots players claim a ‘new era’ has arrived under head coach Mike Vrabel.
