The New England Patriots made a big decision on Sunday after the win over the Bills, and it could have something to do with another former player who is available this offseason. 

After finishing the season with a 4-13 record, the Patriots have fired head coach Jerod Mayo after just one season. The news came shortly after he spoke with reporters in his final press conference of the season. 

And with that, it opens the door for someone who is rumored to be very interested in the opening. 

"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 reports. "And he'd have some quality assistants who would be prepared to go with him if that's how it unfolds."

NFL Network's Aditi Kinkhabwala later reported that Vrabel's moves with the Jets were to put pressure on the Patriots to make a move. Well, it looks like it worked.

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Was told that Mike Vrabel’s dalliance w/ #Jets was to put pressure on #Patriots to make a move. With a young, incredibly promising QB (who improved every week despite very little talent around him), more cap space than anyone and stable ownership, of course the NE job ranks high.

— Aditi Kinkhabwala (@AKinkhabwala) January 5, 2025

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Vrabel spent this past season as a coaching and personnel consultant with the Cleveland Browns after being dismissed as the Tennessee Titans head coach following the 2023/24 season. 

And ESPN's Mike Reiss further reported that the Patriots are expected to interview Vrabel during their upcoming search. 

However, all of this comes at a very interesting time. Robert Kraft clearly knew that they were going to fire Mayo regardless of a win or loss. But it does call into question whether this had to do with Vrabel's recent interview with the New York Jets. 

So, could that have scared the Krafts into taking immediate action?

But regardless, this is apparently a very interesting opening. While the roster needs a lot of help, they are getting the opportunity to work with Drake Maye, and that's how The Athletic's Dianna Russini described it earlier this week.

"In a league where success largely hinges on getting the quarterback right, the Patriots seem to have their guy, and it’s clear that many coaches would love the chance to work with him," she wrote. 

So, let's see how this all plays out. But, signs are pointing to Vrabel returning to Foxborough.