Vrabel named HC of the NEP

Jungleland

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Despite some reservations with seemingly being laser focused on him, I’m optimistic about the choice and excited for the future of the team. I absolutely don’t worry about the ceiling - if the roster can get to contender level I got faith he can bring us #7. We’ll see!
 

Dave Stapleton

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So I would’ve liked Johnson but the key here he had a ton of credibility and will be able to bring in a real professional staff which is key.
 

DJnVa

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Per some Bears guys, he had solid ideas on OC and DC so lets see how quick that happens.
 

sodenj5

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Least shocking news. I feel like this is probably the right hire.

Johnson is probably the better pick to build an offense around Maye, but Vrabel has a very nice track record as a head coach and the Patriots are better today than they were a few weeks ago.
 

JohnnyTheBone

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The saying goes that you don't want to be the guy that comes after The Guy. Being the guy that comes after Jerod Mayo should be a hell of a lot easier.
 

Myt1

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I probably would have vaguely preferred Johnson, but I’m fine with this. OK, let’s see what’s next.
 

rodderick

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Even though I'm fully confident this is yet another "Mr. Kraft knows best" hire, I'm good with the move, I just hope the OC is up to date on what passes for effective offense in today's NFL and plays to Maye's strengths. Now can Wolf.
 

Jungleland

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I would have liked what a Johnson hire would have signaled - that an elite offensive mind saw Maye as worth tying his reputation to and that the Krafts were invested in being forward thinking and unafraid of “new.” But I don’t think Johnson was a slam dunk better hire and don’t think anyone here can definitively say he would have been. Think Vrabel is an equally good choice based on what we know even if for different reasons.
 

Andy Merchant

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I'm on board, now they really need to nail the draft and FA market. Not super confident on the ability to upgrade the roster.
 

joe dokes

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I probably would have vaguely preferred Johnson, but I’m fine with this. OK, let’s see what’s next.
At this point, right or wrong, I'd guess the combination of a relationship with Vrabel and that Kraft doesn't want another guy with no HC experience (though he has vastly more coaching experience than the last guy).
 

bankshot1

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I'm on board, now they really need to nail the draft and FA market. Not super confident on the ability to upgrade the roster.
This is where Kraft almost has to give carte blanche to his GM/HC whoever the top personnel guy will be and spend serious cap money for FA as
drafting/rebuild takes time and they lost a decade with poor drafting
 

jtn46

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Would have much preferred Johnson, but I get concerns about a first-time HC after Mayo. Pats could have done a ton worse than Vrabel.
 

Justthetippett

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I would have liked what a Johnson hire would have signaled - that an elite offensive mind saw Maye as worth tying his reputation to and that the Krafts were invested in being forward thinking and unafraid of “new.” But I don’t think Johnson was a slam dunk better hire and don’t think anyone here can definitively say he would have been. Think Vrabel is an equally good choice based on what we know even if for different reasons.
Right where I'm at; can get even more excited with a great OC hire.
 

Auger34

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Really like the hire.

Now bring in a professional staff and get to work
 

Traut

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The NFL is such a weird place. It feels like just yesterday, Vrabel was lauded as one of the best coaches in the league during his time in Tennessee when he was named coach of the year. Then he got kicked to the curb.

There is likely a lot to be said for organizational continuity like what happened here during the Belichick era and what has happened in Pittsburgh since forever. Plans take time to develop. Change doesn't happen overnight. And there's an element of luck to all of it.

Here's hoping to a very long and successful run for Vrabel in Foxboro.
 

NDame616

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It'll be interesting to see what Vrabel told Kraft he wanted re: personnel staff. We will probably know soon. I'm assuming he said if he wants *his* GM or is comfortable with Wolf.
 

nattysez

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I would be lukewarm about Vrabel if I thought he was a step toward "continuity." But he never coached for the Pats and hopefully has some clear ideas about what a revamped front office should look like, so I'm on board.
 

soxpatscelts1524

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If this is in any way accurate, Vrabel sounds like the right guy for the job as a guy who preferred Johnson. The most important thing for this team is fixing our horrific front office player decision making and getting rid of the "collaboration" where everyone "comes together" to agree to reach for need for a guy with a coaching connection sounds like a great first step
 

E5 Yaz

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I really liked the idea of seeing what Johnson could do with Maye, but Vrabel's a good choice and let's hope it works
 

boca

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NFL Gameday saying a name to look out for for DC is Shane Bowen (Giants DC who worked with Vrabel in Tennessee)
 

joe dokes

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Interesting comment by Bruschi about telling those who don't know what they're doing to "step back." At a minimum, it suggests that Vrabel has an idea of what he wants in terms of players, schemes etc. In hindsight, Mayo's (and everyone else's) talk of "collaboration" might have been a reflection of the fact that Mayo either had to accept-- or was at least very accommodating of -- too many opinions.
 

Dogman

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Love it! Now bring me McDaniels/Saleh/McCown.
I've seen a few things about the potential for McDaniels joining the staff in speculation for the OC role. Has there been anything about Saleh or McCown or is this just your wish list?
 

Remagellan

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I think this is a great hire. Those who would have preferred Johnson should remember that there is no indication that Johnson preferred the Pats opening over all others. It's quite possible if they waited for him, they might have lost Vrabel.

We once again have a man who knows how to do the job running things. That alone is a win.
 

EddieYost

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Do coordinators under a new HC require Rooney rule interviews?