By Jordan Long
The New England Patriots are struggling, standing at 2-7. They are preparing to take on the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday. Head Coach Bill Belichick could be gone as soon as the end of the year although he signed a multiyear contract extension with the franchise this offseason. The length is unknown. If the Patriots let him go, there could be a few candidates to fill the opening.
Belichick is one of the most successful coaches in NFL history. To this point, Belichick has coached 29 years with a record in the regular season of 300-159 which is third all-time in NFL history. Of course, the Patriots have won 6 rings with him as Head Coach.
Last season, New England finished at 8-9, missing the playoffs for the 3rd time in 4 years. This year, they are 2-7. They don’t look like a team that will earn a playoff spot this year. It might be time for Owner Robert Kraft to move on from Belichick.
One name that has been mentioned as a replacement is Mike Vrabel. Vrabel is a familiar name for the franchise because he played for New England from 2001 to 2008, helping them win 3 Super Bowls. Vrabel is currently the Tennessee Titans’ Head Coach. He has been in that position since 2018. The Titans are 51-39 with him as Head Coach including a 3-5 start this year. The Titans have earned a playoff spot 3 times.
The problem with going after Vrabel is he is under contract with the Titans. If New England wants him to replace Belichick they would have to trade for him. It may be for multiple 1st round picks. Of course, the Titans could say no.
An option that makes sense is Josh McDaniels. McDaniels had been with the New England franchise from 2001 to 2009. He returned to New England in 2012 to 2021. McDaniels was the offensive coordinator for New England from 2006 to 2008 and 2012 to 2021. New England won 6 Super Bowls with him.
McDaniels has NFL Head Coach experience even if it hasn’t gone so great. He was the Broncos Head Coach from 2009 until 12 games into the 2010 season. The Broncos were a disappointing 11-17 with him as Head Coach. His second chance came with the Las Vegas Raiders lasting from last year until 8 weeks into this season. His stint with the Raiders wasn’t much better with a record of 9-16.
McDaniels knows the franchise and seems to be more comfortable in New England. He may do a better job. Kraft would need to give him more than 2 seasons to do so. Of course, New England may not want to part with Belichick yet. Kraft will do what he feels is best for the franchise moving forward.
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