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5 Patriots coaching candidates (Mike Vrabel!) after New England fired Jerod Mayo

cory woodroof
·2 min read
Tennessee Titans Head Coach Mike Vrabel reacts to a Titans penalty against the Seattle Seahawks during their game at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023.
Tennessee Titans Head Coach Mike Vrabel reacts to a Titans penalty against the Seattle Seahawks during their game at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023.

The New England Patriots made the shocking decision to fire first-year head coach Jerod Mayo on Sunday after a 4-13 season.

The move felt a bit hasty since New England turned to a rookie quarterback Drake Maye well into the season and didn't have a ton of talent on the roster.

However, the move is done, and the Patriots will now search for a new head coach. Who could be on the team's list?

Well, there is one obvious name that we won't waste time keeping from you who is probably going to get the job if he wants it. You know who it is.

On the off chance that doesn't happen, here are four other candidates who could be in play for the New England coaching position.

Former Titans HC Mike Vrabel

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Vrabel is a frontrunner for the Patriots job if there ever was one. Considering his deep roots with the franchise and his standing as one of the hottest names in this NFL coaching cycle, it'd be a minor shock if he didn't land this job. Bringing Vrabel home to New England just feels almost automatic.

Lions OC Ben Johnson

Offensive Coordinator Ben Johnson speaks to the media during the Detroit Lions training camp at the Lions headquarters in Allen Park, Mich. on Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024. Kimberly P. Mitchell / USA TODAY NETWORK
Offensive Coordinator Ben Johnson speaks to the media during the Detroit Lions training camp at the Lions headquarters in Allen Park, Mich. on Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024. Kimberly P. Mitchell / USA TODAY NETWORK

However! If the Patriots want the hottest coaching name out there, they'll wait for Johnson's season to get done in Detroit. He could be the perfect offensive mind to pair with Maye. In fact, Johnson developing Maye into an elite quarterback could set New England up for years.

Vikings DC Brian Flores

Oct 24, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores watches from the sidelines against the Los Angeles Rams in the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Oct 24, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores watches from the sidelines against the Los Angeles Rams in the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Flores is expected to be a big name in this coaching cycle, and being a former New England assistant makes him an intriguing option for the Patriots. If the Kraft family wants someone with familiarity with the franchise, Flores is a very sound option.

Bills OC Joe Brady

Oct 20, 2024; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady on th field before a game against the Tennessee Titans at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images
Oct 20, 2024; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady on th field before a game against the Tennessee Titans at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images

The Patriots could make an AFC East foe in the Buffalo Bills weaker by hiring Brady. He's a promising offensive coach who has done great work with quarterback Josh Allen this season. Perhaps he'd be a good candidate to work with Maye in the years to come?

Commanders OC Kliff Kingsbury

Oct 13, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Washington Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury on the sidelines during the first half against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images ORG XMIT: IMAGN-880951 ORIG FILE ID: 20241013_twg_gb3_033.JPG
Oct 13, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Washington Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury on the sidelines during the first half against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images ORG XMIT: IMAGN-880951 ORIG FILE ID: 20241013_twg_gb3_033.JPG

Kingsbury has resurrected his NFL career with the Washington Commanders, and his work with rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels will get teams interested. Getting to go up to New England and work with Maye could entice Kingsbury to leave Washington. This seems like a possibility.

This article originally appeared on For The Win: 5 Patriots coaching candidates (Mike Vrabel!) after New England fired Jerod Mayo