Why didn’t Patriots hire Mike Vrabel as Bill Belichick’s replacement? Jerod Mayo’s case explored

The New England Patriots have reportedly hired Jerod Mayo to succeed the legendary Bill Belichick as head coach. Belichick parted ways with the team after 24 seasons and six Super Bowls. While the move is not surprising to many in New England, some wonder why owner Robert Kraft did not hire Mike Vrabel.

The answer lies within Mayo's contract according to NFL insider Ian Rapoport. He noted that it was set in stone that Mayo would take over Belichick despite the attention Vrabel was getting.

Vrabel was fired by the Tennessee Titans as their head coach in what was a surprising move after six seasons with the team. He led the Titans to three playoff appearances but missed it for the second straight season this season. His 54 wins are the third-most in Titans/Oilers history.

The connection between Mike Vrabel and the New England Patriots goes back to his eight seasons as a player (2001-2008). He won three Super Bowls while being a Pro Bowl linebacker and making first-team All-Pro while there. It seemed like a natural fit once Belichick stepped away but the 48-year-old did not have a shot at being the head coach.

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Jerod Mayo and his time with the Patriots organization

Before being hired as head coach, Jerod Mayo spent eight seasons with New England as a player (2008 - 2015). The linebacker was the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year and helped the franchise win a Super Bowl. He was also a two-time Pro Bowler and first-team All-Pro.

Mayo had 802 total tackles, 11 sacks, and eight forced fumbles in his career with the Patriots. In 2019, he joined Belichick's coaching staff as linebackers coach. At age 37, Mayo becomes the youngest head coach in the NFL and the first Black head coach in the franchise's over 60-year history.

The Patriots were able to surpass the NFL hiring process and quickly hire Jerod Mayo since they set a plan of succession in the contract extension he signed last offseason. According to Sara Marshall of Musket Fire, players leaned on having Mayo take over for Belichick. We will see if the move pans out as a new era will begin come the 2024 season.

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