4 potential Patriots head coaches for 2025

This one almost makes too much sense. 

It's been reported numerous times that Vrabel has expressed interest in the Patriots job if it became available. 

"The belief, among sources close to the situation, is Mike Vrabel has been interested in the Patriots' potential vacancy in recent weeks," The Athletic's Jeff Howe reported. "And he'd have some quality assistants who would be prepared to go with him if that's how it unfolds."

The Patriots need a head coach with experience, who can also relate to the players in a way that Mayo could as a former player. Vrabel checks all those boxes. 

Going into the search, he should be at the top the Patriots' list. 

2. Ben Johnson

Last season, Johnson was one of the main names on the head coaching candidates list, but he opted to stay with the Detroit Lions. However, with more openings, it seems to be the perfect time for Johnson to make the jump from coordinator to head coach. 

He's an offensive-minded coach which would certainly be good considering the main focus right now is on Drake Maye. And considering the Patriots have the most cap space, he could put it to use and get some weapons for New England. 

3. Brian Flores

Another coach with ties to the Patriots. Flores began his career with New England in 2004 as a scouting assistant and worked his way up, eventually taking over the defensive play-calling duties. He left to become the Dolphins head coach in 2019. 

A to Z Sports' Wendell Ferreira summed up what happened afterwards perfectly. 

"Flores had a controversial exit from the Dolphins, but his results with the Vikings are simply too good to pass up. Even without much talent, he created a unique and crazy defensive scheme. This year, with more talent, it became the best defense in football."

The Patriots defense took numerous steps back this season, so they need someone to help them get back on track. And Flores could be the right man for the job. 

4. Liam Coen 

Coen is a coach with local ties. He grew up in Rhode Island and attended the University of Massachusetts Amherst where he played quarterback. After his playing career ended, Coen worked at Brown, Rhode Island, UMass, and Maine before making his transition to the NFL. 

He spent time with the Los Angeles Rams from 2018 to 2020, before going back-and-forth between the NFL and  Kentucky. 

This past season, he has served as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator. So it's another offensive-minded coach, but this one has a lot of local ties.