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Patriots React to Mike Vrabel Announcement on Thursday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Chris Phelps | Last updated Jan 22, 2026 4:28 PM ET

Mike Vrabel and the New England Patriots are heading to the AFC Championship Game for the first time since Tom Brady was with the team in 2018. But they have a tough task ahead of them, hitting the road to face the Bo Nix-less Denver Broncos for a spot in Super Bowl LX.

Before joining the Patriots' coaching staff, Vrabel spent six seasons as the head coach of the Tennessee Titans, leading them to three playoff appearances. But his first year as the head coach of New England has been arguably Vrabel's best, finishing the 2025 regular season with a 14-3 record and the No. 2 seed in the AFC. This also comes just one year after the Patriots finished with a 4-13 record in 2024.

New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel leaves the practice fieldsEric Canha-Imagn Images

For his performance as the Patriots' head coach in 2025, Vrabel has been awarded the Professional Football Writers of America (PFWA) 2025 NFL Coach of the Year. He is the first New England coach to win the award since Bill Belichick won it during the 2011 NFL season, one where the Patriots lost in Super Bowl XLIX.

Vrabel isn't the only member of the Patriots to be honored by the PFWA following the regular season. Quarterback Drake Maye was the only player on the team to be named to the 2025 PFWA All-AFC Team, with Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford named to its All-NFL Team.

Along with Vrabel, Seattle Seahawks president of football operations and general manager John Schneider was named the PFWA 2025 NFL Executive of the Year, while Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph was named the PFWA 2025 NFL Assistant Coach of the Year.

"Your @PFWAwriters Coach of the Year winner, Mike Vrabel ," the Patriots wrote on X.