Mike Vrabel returned to the New England Patriots as the 16th head coach in January. His intense, hands-on leadership surfaced during a joint practice when he joined a pileup and suffered a bloody cheek, then continued coaching. Vrabel emphasizes competitive, "violent" play, tight player relationships and a clearly defined team vision. Players such as quarterback Drake Maye and tight end Hunter Henry praised his intensity and willingness to "bring it every day." Vrabel played for the Patriots from 2001 to 2008 and was part of three Super Bowl teams. The current approach has energized the organization and sparked hope for future championship contention.
Vrabel's presence has lit a firecracker inside the Patriots organization with his dive-headfirst-in-the-pile approach, an emphasis on players knowing each other, and a clearly defined vision for the type of team he wants to field -- and the "violent" style it will play. His return to the franchise for which he played from 2001 to 2008, as an integral part of three Super Bowl championship teams, sparks hope that New England will soon be competing for Super Bowl championships.
"That's what we're trying to build, and it starts with the head coach," quarterback Drake Maye said. "The intensity, bringing it every day, taking no crap when we're out there on the field." "He's right there with us. I think that player comes out in him," added tight end Hunter Henry. "You have to love a coach that has competitive juices like us."
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