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Mike Vrabel wins AP coach of the year

Originally posted on Ball Exclusives | By Cameron Joyce | Last updated Feb 5, 2026 11:40 PM ET

Mike Vrabel has won AP Coach of the Year in his first season as head coach of the Patriots. Following a 4-13 season last year, Vrabel transformed the team into a 14-3 record and has the team one win away from a Super Bowl.

Mike Vrabel is the AP Coach of the Year and in #SBLX in his first season as the @Patriots head coach #NFLHonors pic.twitter.com/ZcnaDd2WKx

— NFL (@NFL) February 6, 2026

Vrabel is one of three coaches to win 14 games in their first season as a head coach. The 10-game turnaround improvement is tied with the 1999 Colts and 2008 Dolphins as the best turnaround in NFL history.

Vrabel previously served as head coach of the Titans from 2018-2023. Vrabel finished with a 54-45 record as head coach, including a 2-3 playoff record and one AFC Championship appearance. He also served as a consultant for the Cleveland Browns in 2024 before joining the Patriots.

This article first appeared on Ball Exclusives and was syndicated with permission.

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