For Robert Kraft, the decision to hire Mike Vrabel as his new head coach was a matter of instinct. The team owner has always followed his gut when it comes to big decisions, even if others might have thought it was crazy at the time.
Kraft cited Vrabel's experience as a player and coach, particularly during his time with the Tennessee Titans, where he won the NFL Coach of the Year award in 2021. The former Patriots linebacker also brings a strong understanding of the game, having played for three Super Bowl championship teams with the Steelers and later becoming a key contributor to Ohio State's success.
What really sealed the deal for Kraft was Vrabel's ability to make changes during free agency, which he credited as "product knowledge" that he didn't have himself. This experience proved invaluable in helping the Patriots' roster get overhauled.
For Kraft, it wasn't just about hiring a coach who could win games; it was about finding someone with the right culture and values to fit into the team's dynamics. He said Vrabel had "all the different factors," suggesting that he checked off every box in terms of qualifications and experience.
Vrabel's reputation as a hard-hitting linebacker and red zone threat at tight end made him an attractive candidate, but it was his ability to adapt and make changes during free agency that ultimately won Kraft over. The team owner believes Vrabel will be instrumental in helping the Patriots return to the playoffs and potentially win championships.
Kraft's decision-making process is guided by a keen sense of instinct, which has served him well throughout his career as a sports owner and businessman. While others might view his approach as unconventional, Kraft knows what works for him, and that's all that matters when it comes to making big decisions like this one.
Kraft cited Vrabel's experience as a player and coach, particularly during his time with the Tennessee Titans, where he won the NFL Coach of the Year award in 2021. The former Patriots linebacker also brings a strong understanding of the game, having played for three Super Bowl championship teams with the Steelers and later becoming a key contributor to Ohio State's success.
What really sealed the deal for Kraft was Vrabel's ability to make changes during free agency, which he credited as "product knowledge" that he didn't have himself. This experience proved invaluable in helping the Patriots' roster get overhauled.
For Kraft, it wasn't just about hiring a coach who could win games; it was about finding someone with the right culture and values to fit into the team's dynamics. He said Vrabel had "all the different factors," suggesting that he checked off every box in terms of qualifications and experience.
Vrabel's reputation as a hard-hitting linebacker and red zone threat at tight end made him an attractive candidate, but it was his ability to adapt and make changes during free agency that ultimately won Kraft over. The team owner believes Vrabel will be instrumental in helping the Patriots return to the playoffs and potentially win championships.
Kraft's decision-making process is guided by a keen sense of instinct, which has served him well throughout his career as a sports owner and businessman. While others might view his approach as unconventional, Kraft knows what works for him, and that's all that matters when it comes to making big decisions like this one.