Giardi: Vrabel lays the foundation for a return to respectability as Patriots players, NFL react

It's Mike Vrabel. It was always going to be Mike Vrabel. No amount of dickering about money and power would derail this inevitability. And now that the deal is official, the Patriots have a chance to become something they haven't been the last couple of years: respectable.

That's been a missing element in Foxborough, and ownership has had a hard time either accepting what they've become or realizing that's how they're viewed league-wide. The dismissal of Jerod Mayo, though harsh, was a step in the right direction, and the quick elevation of Vrabel - he's the fastest hiring in coaching circles since Washington tabbed Ron Rivera two days after the 2019 season ended - brings some positive energy and positive headlines, something that's been rare in these parts.

"He built a culture in Tennessee. He maintained that culture," said Derrick Henry, adding that when it went south with the Titans, it was more about the players not delivering.

Former quarterback Ryan Tannehill, who had his best years under Vrabel, said he was "grateful" for his former head coach's impact on him.

In speaking with a few current Patriots, there's the lingering hangover of the treatment of Mayo - "What did they (ownership/front office) really believe we were capable of this year?" said one - but also excitement about what Vrabel will bring.

"I know he holds his players accountable. I know he will have us prepared," said a veteran who was coached by Bill Belichick and Mayo. "The rest, they say, is up to us."

Added another, "I already did my homework. I know he can be an a-hole. This year proved we need that. There are a lot of guys on this team who don't know what it takes to be a pro and how hard you have to work to win. Mike will make sure there's a standard. I'm sure of it."

As for how the rest of the league views this, I caught up with one member of the Bills front office before their playoff game against the Broncos. 

"We know Mike well, and we know how hard it was to deal with his teams. Even when they were undermanned, they gave us fits. Things got a little more interesting, I'd say."

For reference, the Titans beat the Bills 42-16 in 2020 and 34-31 in 2021, then got buried under a third-quarter avalanche in 2022, losing 41-7. They also managed to play Buffalo close in 2019 (14-7 L) with Marcus Mariota at quarterback and in 2018 as well (13-12 L). 

"We had more talent than they did, especially in those first few years," said the same Bills staffer. "But we always knew we would be in a street fight with them, and we were always beaten up after it was over."

The Raiders, with Tom Brady and Richard Seymour exerting their influence in that team's coaching search, had Vrabel at the top of their list but never bothered to request an interview. Why? They were told their former teammate was a "lock" to end up in New England. 

"Honestly, that was a bit of a bummer," said a Raiders source. "We need someone to reset this {bleeping} place. He did that in Tennessee. The Pats are lucky to have him."

Vrabel will be announced at a press conference on Monday at noon.

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A few other interesting quotes/notes from Bedard:

This from Charles Robinson on Ryan Cowden ...

Other reaction around the league:

"Very good football coach. Good football intellect, good with situational football. Good in-game manager. knows how he wants his team to look and play and kinds of players he wants. Credible with players. Honest and direct communicator. Developed his players when he coached position groups. Teams had a presence of toughness." - AFC East personnel executive.

"I think it's a very smart hire. Maximizes the talent he has. Leader. Great game coach." - AFC general manager.

"Very excited." - Team source.

Former Titans tackle Taylor Lewan: