Following the firing of head coach Jerod Mayo, the New England Patriots and former Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel have been a match that many believe would pair well. After interviewing Vrabel for the opening, it appears the two are nearing a possible deal, per Jordan Schultz on X.

“Sources: The #Patriots and Mike Vrabel have been negotiating a deal to make him the franchise’s next head coach, and barring something unforeseen, the expectation remains that both sides will reach an agreement,” Schultz wrote. “(The @BostonGlobe’s @nicolecyang has also been on this story.)”

Like Mayo, Vrabel is a former Patriots player, playing linebacker for the franchise for eight seasons. Although Mayo's time with the team didn't bring positive results, the Patriots look to bring in another former player as their head coach in 2025.

Vrabel was a key contributor as a linebacker for the Patriots from 2001 to 2008. While he didn't win many individual awards, Vrabel earned a Pro Bowl invite and an All-Pro nod in 2007. However, the potential incoming head coach was a member of three Super Bowl rosters, winning in 2001, 2003, and 2004.

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Following his playing career, Vrabel was hired in 2018 as the Titans' head coach, leading them for six straight seasons. In 2023, Vrabel got fired following a 6-11 record, leading him to become a defensive consultant with the Cleveland Browns in 2024.

Now, along with Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, the Patriots appear to have their preferences on who they want to take over the franchise in 2025.

And after Mayo's quick tenure with the Patriots, they don't appear to be worried about hiring another former player. To Vrabel's credit, he's also been a head coach in the NFL, making him a more intriguing option than Mayo before Robert Kraft hired him.

But, without the pen hitting the paper on the dotted line, the Patriots' head coaching vacancy remains unfilled.