Eric Boggs
Ohio State fans can take a deep breath. Those worried about head coach Ryan Day leaving for the vacant New England Patriots job can rest easy. The speculation has officially been put to bed, and if you’ve been following The OHIO Podcast, you heard it from us first: Mike Vrabel was waiting for a specific opportunity, and that opportunity was to become the next head coach of the New England Patriots.
The Patriots announced on Sunday that they have hired Vrabel, a former Ohio State star and three-time Super Bowl champion with New England, as their new head coach. This marks Vrabel’s return to the team where he achieved iconic status during his playing career. After spending the 2024 season as a consultant with the Cleveland Browns, Vrabel’s return to the NFL head coaching ranks has been highly anticipated, and now it’s official.
For Ohio State fans, this news solidifies two major points. First, Ryan Day’s future in Columbus is secure—and for good reason. Day has led the Buckeyes to a national championship game appearance after an impressive run through the College Football Playoff, defeating Tennessee, Oregon, and Texas along the way. Day’s job security is no longer a topic of discussion, especially with a chance to bring another title to Ohio State.
Second, Vrabel’s move confirms what many Buckeye fans suspected: his heart remains in the NFL. While Vrabel was often mentioned as a dream candidate for Ohio State’s head coaching role should Day depart, his preference for the professional ranks has been clear. Despite beginning his coaching career at Ohio State from 2011 to 2013, Vrabel has consistently expressed a preference for the NFL over the recruiting-heavy demands of college football. His hiring by New England aligns perfectly with his coaching aspirations.
Vrabel’s NFL coaching pedigree speaks for itself. He served as head coach of the Tennessee Titans from 2018 to 2023, earning a 54-45 regular-season record, an AFC Championship Game appearance in 2019, and the Associated Press NFL Coach of the Year award in 2021. Known for his situational awareness, leadership, and commitment to team success—traits he credits to his time under Bill Belichick in New England—Vrabel has now returned to the franchise where he made his greatest impact as a player.
During his time with the Patriots from 2001 to 2008, Vrabel was an integral part of three Super Bowl-winning teams and earned first-team All-Pro honors in 2007. His familiarity with the franchise’s culture and his relationship with owner Robert Kraft were pivotal in his hiring. Kraft highlighted Vrabel’s leadership and game management skills, which were on full display during moments like the Titans’ 2020 playoff victory over the Patriots, when Vrabel expertly used a rulebook loophole to manage the clock and secure the win.
As the 16th head coach in Patriots history, Vrabel will look to restore the franchise to its former glory. He succeeds Jerod Mayo, who was let go after a challenging 4-13 season. Vrabel’s return to New England is more than a coaching hire; it’s a homecoming to the place where he built his legacy. In his 2023 Patriots Hall of Fame induction speech, Vrabel spoke of the team’s culture and accountability, values he aims to recreate wherever he coaches. Now, he has the chance to bring those values back to the Patriots as their leader.
For Ohio State fans, this development should be seen as a win-win. Ryan Day remains focused on the Buckeyes’ pursuit of a national title, and Vrabel’s move solidifies his NFL trajectory. While Buckeye Nation will always claim Vrabel as one of its own, it’s clear that his heart is in the professional game. Congratulations to Mike Vrabel on his new role with the Patriots, and go Bucks!
