The Patriots Hall of Famer is considered a frontrunner for the open spot.
The New England Patriots have started the process of interviewing candidates for their vacant head coaching position. One of the biggest names available this offseason will reportedly be among their targets.
Mike Vrabel, a former Tennessee Titans head coach and ex-Patriots linebacker, will interview with the team later this week. Mark Daniels of MassLive was first to reported the news.
The interview is set to take place Thursday, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
Vrabel, 49, was a third-round draft pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1997. He joined the Patriots as a free agent in 2001, and over the next eight seasons became a cornerstone of their defense as well as a three-time Super Bowl champion. A member of the Patriots Hall of Fame, he appeared in a combined 132 regular season and playoff games for the club.
Vrabel left the Patriots via trade in 2009, ending his career with the Kansas City Chiefs. Shortly after his final season in 2010, he moved into coaching.
After serving as an assistant coach at his alma mater, Ohio State, and under Bill O’Brien with the Houston Texans, he was named Titans head coach in 2018. Over his six years in Nashville, he led the team to two AFC South titles, three playoff berths and a combined 56-48 record. After he was fired last offseason, he joined the Cleveland Browns as a consultant.
On Monday, Robert Kraft was asked about Vrabel as a potential candidate. The Patriots’ owner was non-committal in his answer.
“Before I make a comment like that, I don’t know all the people involved, and there are some wonderful people that we’ve heard about,” Kraft said. “So, I’d rather respond to that after I’ve seen everyone.”
In addition to the Patriots, Vrabel is also drawing interest from the New York Jets, Chicago Bears and New Orleans Saints.