Ben Johnson interviewed for Patriots coaching vacancy

In Foxboro, Massachusetts, the New England Patriots have hired Mike Vrabel as their new head coach following the firing of Jerod Mayo after the 2024 season. Vrabel, who previously played for the Patriots, brings a wealth of experience with him as he served as head coach for the Tennessee Titans from 2018 to 2023, during which time he led the team to several playoff appearances. The Patriots had a disappointing season, finishing 4-13 under Mayo's leadership, prompting owner Robert Kraft to seek a new direction for the franchise. Vrabel is well-regarded in the organization, having won three Super Bowl titles as a player with the team. His hiring marks a significant shift, as he becomes the 16th head coach in the franchise’s history and the third in just three seasons. The Patriots struggled significantly in recent years, with a combined record of 8-26 over two seasons prior to the change at head coach, leading to speculation that Vrabel was the preferred candidate for the position. Additionally, the Patriots have been active in their search for coaching talent and recently interviewed several candidates, showing their commitment to improving their roster and coaching staff as they look to enhance their performance in upcoming seasons. With Vrabel at the helm, the franchise aims to restore its competitive edge in the NFL and return to a winning tradition that had characterized the organization during its previous Super Bowl successes.