The first NFL head coaching opening has been filled with Mike Vrabel joining the New England Patriots.
ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter shared the news to social media that Vrabel and the Patriots had agreed to a “multi-year deal.”
Connor Hughes of SNY revealed that the New York Jets made a “late push” and “they wanted him bad” but ultimately he chose the Patriots instead.
Jets made a late push — they wanted him bad (justifiably so).
It was always uphill battle, likely impossible, for a team to beat out NE, though. https://t.co/5o6qim3PT9
— Connor Hughes (@Connor_J_Hughes) January 12, 2025
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Insider Report Seems to Check Out
The Jets interviewed Maryland football head coach Mike Locksley this week which turned a lot of heads because of his questionable credentials for the job.
However, what that interview accomplished was fulfilling the Rooney Rule. Every NFL team must interview two external minority candidates. The Jets interviewed both Locksley and longtime former NFL head coach Ron Rivera.
If the Jets were making a late push for Vrabel they would have had to fulfill the Rooney Rule before offering him a contract.
With Vrabel off the board, the Jets can go back to their normal thought process for filling the position.
Vrabel was a unique case because he was a free agent with no ties to any current NFL teams. That advantage allowed teams to interview him in person instead of having to wait until after the NFL’s divisional round.
This is a developing story and we’ll provide new details as they become available.
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This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
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