Patriots head coach search tracker: Keeping up with the interviews and latest news
The New England Patriots have started the search for their next head coach. Following the final game of the 2024/25 season, Robert and Jonathan Kraft informed Jerod Mayo that he would not be returning after only one season. Mayo was hand-picked as the successor for Bill Belichick, but Kraft knew that a change had to […]
The New England Patriots have started the search for their next head coach.
Following the final game of the 2024/25 season, Robert and Jonathan Kraft informed Jerod Mayo that he would not be returning after only one season. Mayo was hand-picked as the successor for Bill Belichick, but Kraft knew that a change had to be made sooner rather than later.
“This whole situation is on me," Kraft told reporters on Monday. "I feel terrible for Jerod because I put him in an untenable situation.
"I know that he has all the tools as a head coach to be successful in this league. He just needed more time before taking the job. In the end, I'm a fan of this team first. Now, I have to go out and find a coach who can get us back to the playoffs and hopefully championships."
So, now the team has to find someone who they feel can get them back on top.
A to Z Sports' Patriots Head Coaching Tracker
- Ben Johnson (INTERVIEWED)
- Mike Vrabel (INTERVIEWED)
- Byron Leftwich (INTERVIEWED)
- Pep Hamilton (INTERVIEWED)
- Aaron Glenn (REQUESTED – DECLINED)
Saturday, January 11
Talks are advancing between the Patriots and Mike Vrabel, per Tom Pelissero.
Friday, January 10
Patriots announce they have completed their virtual interview with Ben Johnson
Thursday, January 9
Lions DC Aaron Glenn has declined an interview request from the Patriots, per Tom Pelissero
Patriots announce they have completed their interview with Mike Vrabel
Wednesday, January 8
The Patriots will interview Mike Vrabel in person on Thursday, and then Ben Johnson on Friday virtually, per multiple reports.
The Patriots have requested to interview Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, per Albert Breer.
Tuesday, January 7
Patriots plan to interview former Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel this week, per MassLive's Mark Daniels
ANALYSIS
Vrabel is a former Patriots player who also has head coaching experience, which is exactly what the Kraft's should be looking for. He can bring in that leadership that has been lacking this past year, but also can relate to the players. Many consider Vrabel to be the lead candidate for New England, and since the coach also seems to want the gig, it's looks to be the perfect match.
Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores says he will grant an interview request if Patriots reach out, per ESPN's Kevin Seifert
ANALYSIS
Here's another guy with ties to the Patriots and was part of the winning culture. While his head coaching tenure with the Miami Dolphins ended sooner than he wanted, Flores became the Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator and has helped them become a top defense in the NFL.
Patriots interviewed Pep Hamilton, per NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.
ANALYSIS
Hamilton brings a lot of coaching experience to the table. He last served as the offensive coordinator for the Houston Texans in 2022, but has been in (and out) of the league since 2003 when he got his start with the New York Jets
Patriots interviewed Byron Leftwich, per NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.
ANALYSIS
A former NFL quarterback, Byron Leftwich brings an offensive viewpoint. And he's worked with one Patriots legend during his time with the Buccaneers, going on to win a Super Bowl as Tampa Bay's offensive coordinator in 2020. However, Leftwich has been out of the league for the past two season.
Monday, January 6
Patriots request to interview Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, per multiple reports.
ANALYSIS
Johnson is one of the most sought after head coaching candidates right now, and him showing interest in the Patriots opening speaks volumes. He has helped the Lions become one of the top offenses in the league, so he could be the right guy to help turn New England around.
