Patriots Rumors: Titans' Mike Vrabel Linked as Possible Bill Belichick Successor

If the New England Patriots and Bill Belichick end their two-decade relationship this offseason, Mike Vrabel may be waiting in the wings.

Jeremy Fowler of ESPN reported Vrabel could be a successor for Belichick if the former Patriots linebacker wants to leave the Tennessee Titans. Vrabel is in his sixth season with the Titans, making three playoff appearances and winning two division championships.

Belichick's future in New England is looking like it's on increasingly uncertain ground. The Patriots are 2-7 and are on pace for back-to-back losing seasons for the first time under Belichick.

The relationship between Belichick and owner Robert Kraft has been increasingly tense in recent years. The Boston Globe reported it's even possible Kraft fires Belichick during the season, particularly if the team falls flat during its trip to Germany this week.

Belichick is arguably the greatest coach in NFL history, winning six Super Bowls and 17 division championships with the Patriots. However, New England has not won a division since Tom Brady's departure in 2020, and Belichick's recent history of poor drafting and free-agent decisions have left the Patriots at a talent deficit.

Mac Jones, drafted to be Brady's replacement in 2021, looks more like a bust with each passing week. New England also has one of the NFL's worst skill-position groups, which has done little to help Jones in his development.

Vrabel played under Belichick from 2001 to 2008, winning three Super Bowls and earning a selection into the Patriots Hall of Fame. His success as a head coach has been moderate to this point, but he would be a sensible replacement tying the Belichick era to the franchise's future.

Vrabel signed a contract extension in 2022, so the Patriots would have to part with draft-pick compensation to even entertain the idea of hiring him—and that's only if the Titans are willing to let the 48-year-old coach go.