When the Patriots kicked off firing season by axing Jerod Mayo the assumption was that room was being made for Mike Vrabel. The former franchise legend’s name was already circulating in coaching rumors,

Mike Vrabel may be the frontrunner for the Patriots head coaching job, but Ben Johnson cannot be overlooked either.

The Patriots bring back a familiar face, Bears get an offensive wizard and Jaguars hope for the best despite Trent Baalke’s presence.

“There is buzz in some coaching circles that Josh McDaniels could be a prime candidate to be Vrabel's offensive coordinator. That would be quite the nostalgia tandem, and though McDaniels is a two-time failed head coach, no one disputes his coordinator chops,” Jeremy Fowler reported.

Should that happen, Vrabel would undoubtedly be at the top of Ohio State’s list of potential candidates. Vrabel played his college ball with the Buckeyes, and started his coaching career there as a linebackers coach before making the jump back to the NFL.

Sep 8, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) talks with offensive coordinator Liam Coen against the Washington Commanders during the first half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

Mike Vrabel is getting more and more interview requests. After being fired from the Tennessee Titans in 2023 following two straight losing seasons, Vrabel took a year off from coaching and took a job as a consultant for the Cleveland Browns.

The Patriots are in the midst of their head coach search this week, lining up interviews with several candidates like current Vikings offensive coordinator Ben