Rob Gronkowski thinks former Patriot will be a better fit for Jets HC after Bill Belichick rumors

Rob Gronkowski dropped insider perspectives on the New York Jets head coaching search with former Patriots head coach Bill Belichick no longer in contention since he joined the University of North Carolina.

Gronkowski, the legendary Patriots tight end, and Mike Vrabel, a former Patriots linebacker turned coach, found themselves at the center of NFL speculation. The Jets are hunting for a new head coach after firing Robert Saleh in Week 5 and general manager Joe Douglas in Week 11.

During Tuesday's "Up and Adams" show, Gronkowski shared candid insights about potential coaching candidates.

"So I got to say, he would be the right fit for the Jets because I feel like that's what I feel like Vrabel can handle any situation," the former tight end said. "He's got the knowledge, he's got the stamina, you know, he's got the presence, he's got the leadership. So if it's to the Jets, you know, which would be a little weird cause, you know, he's a New England Patriot.

"That's the only situation where it kind of throws you off a little bit. But, uh, any, any organization he goes to, I think he can handle it and I think he's ready for."

Regarding Bill Belichick, Gronkowski offered his take. His commentary came in the wake of surprising reports about Bill Belichick's brief flirtation with the Jets organization.

"I think he was just, you know, kind of stir up the plot and get his name out there more for a head coaching gig. I don't think he would ever go to the Jets to be head coach," he said.

Vrabel gets a lot of eyeballs amidst Bill Belichick's new job

NCAA Football: North Carolina-Bill Belichick Press Conference - Source: Imagn

Connor Hughes from SNY reported that Vrabel is "the coach the Jets covet the most" in the current coaching cycle. Multiple teams, including the Las Vegas Raiders and Chicago Bears, are interested in the former Titans head coach.

The potential move carries historical intrigue. Gronkowski acknowledged the unusual prospect of a former Patriots coach leading the Jets, noting it would be "a little weird" given the team's rivalry. However, he ultimately believed in Vrabel's exceptional capabilities.

The Athletic's Dianna Russini revealed additional context about the coaching landscape. Belichick had reportedly expressed interest in the Jets around two weeks before accepting the UNC job. Few people in the Jets organization were aware of these preliminary conversations.

The Jets are exploring options meticulously. They've already begun interviewing general manager candidates, with former NFL GM Thomas Dimitroff being the first to sit down with the organization on December 15.

The NFL coaching market remains fluid, with teams like the Jets searching for leadership that can turn their fortunes around.