This NFL season has seen a lot of head coaches getting the boot, and the trend of firing coaches has been stronger than ever, as franchises look to shake things up and move in a new direction. Now, the Pats too, have joined the list after their last game of the season this Sunday. Finishing with a win against the playoff-bound Bills. The Pats CEO Robert Kraft decided it was time to part ways with rookie coach Jerod Mayo, joining the ranks of teams seeking fresh leadership. (Just another day in the NFL 2024-25 season.)

And this time, Robert Kraft has decided to go the Chargers’ way. After letting Jerod Mayo know following Sunday’s game that the Pats would be parting ways with him, Kraft gave an update on the HC situation on Monday. Talking to the media, he informed them that the Patriots management has already started their hunt for a new head coach. “We want to interview as many people as we can that we think can help us get to that position that we want to be in,” said the 83-year-old. It looks like they’re playing by the Chargers’ playbook this time. Interviewing different candidates is something the Chargers did before locking things down with Jim Harbaugh.

This time, Robert Kraft’s son, Jonathan Kraft, will be conducting the interviews for the HC gig, along with Eliot Wolf. He is serving as the executive VP of the team. Former boxer Alonzo Highsmith, who’s currently serving as the senior personnel executive for the Pats, will also be on board. The team is taking a new route this time, exploring options outside of their system, unlike before. (For context, Mayo was the team’s linebackers coach before being promoted to the HC position.)

“The Kraft family would like to take a look at what’s out there. Hear from a bunch of different people to get a better understanding of what’s happening across the league,” reported Albert Breer. Amid this hunt, one name has been popping up for the HC gig. There are talks that the Pats might be interested in hiring Mike Vrabel.

Robert Kraft clears his stance on hiring Mike Vrabel

Mike Vrabel has an old connection with the Pats. During his playing years, he spent eight seasons with Robert Kraft’s team before they traded him to the Chiefs. Vrabel’s name has been thrown around quite a lot for the Patriots’ HC gig. The talk started even before Mayo’s firing. Some reports even suggest that he’s been wanting to reunite with his former team. Back in December, Mike’s contract with the Browns as their coaching and personnel consultant expired. Since then, he’s been looking for a new job, and several teams have made him offers. Moreover, Vrabel has also interviewed for the Jets HC position.

When asked if they’re going ahead with Vrabel, Robert Kraft said, “Before I make a comment like that, I don’t know all the (candidates) involved. And there are some wonderful people that we’ve heard about. So I’d rather respond to that after I’ve seen everyone.” Vrabel’s got a lot on his plate too. The Bears, who are also on the hunt for a new head coach for next season, have shown interest in him. And now the Jaguars are without a head coach after firing Doug Pederson. Although they haven’t reached out to Vrabel yet, you never know. Looks like the former Pats LB is the most sought-after coach this season. It’ll be interesting to see which team he ends up with, and whether the Pats even extend him an interview invitation.