NFL playing career as an assistant coach at Ohio State in 2011, he had thoughts of one day returning to the New England Patriots.

The New York Jets made a "late push" to secure Mike Vrabel but he picked the New England Patriots HC job instead. The post Jets Made ‘Late Push’ For Mike Vrabel, Picked Patriots Instead appeared first on Heavy Sports.

More to the point, Vrabel never coached under Belichick. He hasn’t worked in Foxboro in 15 years. In that time, he developed his own network and identity, moving from Ohio State to the Texans, Titans and Browns. Vrabel collected invaluable experience that would have served Mayo, also his own man, had Mayo ever flown the New England nest.

Here's a look back at Mike Vrabel’s Patriots playing career, from defensive dominance to Super Bowl scores. Read more on Boston.com.

The New England Patriots have hired Mike Vrabel as their head coach. The move comes after Patriots owner Robert Kraft fired Jerod Mayo after the team’s season finale victory over the Buffalo Bills to finish 4-13 in his lone season as coach.

As much as Ben Johnson or any other hotshot might have supplied some sizzle, that’s not what this Patriots team needs.

Brian Hoyer and David Andrews react to new Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel's hiring and what he'll bring to the team. The post ‘The Quick Snap’: Why Mike Vrabel brings much-needed edge to the Patriots appeared first on Boston.

The New England Patriots have started the search for their new offensive coordinator. Ian Rapoport reports that the Patriots spent Tuesday interviewed Chicago Bears interim coach and offensive coordinator Thomas Brown for their open offensive coordinator job.

Stay away from the outdated and inapplicable Belichick coaching tree hires. And, hire top innovative coaches who can utilize the personnel strengths you have.