Mike Vrabel Report Card: How New Patriots Coach Handled Intro Presser
The New England Patriots officially introduced Mike Vrabel as their 16th head coach in franchise history. He took the podium at Gillette Stadium and ushered in change for the franchise.
Vrabel embodied the traits of the first half of the Patriots dynasty in the 2000s and hopes to modernize a new winning tradition in New England. Vrabel had success as the head coach of the Tennessee Titans and returns to Foxboro hoping to elevate his former team.
Vrabel spoke Monday with conviction and direction for the Patriots to turn their recent tailspin around from the last five seasons. New England hired him for a reason and the 49-year-old answered the call.
Here’s how we graded Vrabel’s introductory press conference as the head coach of the Patriots:
Charisma
Vrabel opened with jokes for reporters from his playing days and showed his personality to appeal to those surrounding the modern era for the Patriots in the post-dynasty years in New England.
Vrabel offered an engaging address and provided clarity whenever possible with questions from reporters. He didn’t sidestep questions for the most part and showed the personality that will help him continue to relate to players in the Patriots locker room.
Direction
From eliminating entitlement to preaching culture and accountability, Vrabel wants to rid the flaws of recent years in New England and crush any remaining egos in the building for the Patriots. He expects buy-in from players and the interests of the team consistently at the forefront.
Vrabel also made specific efforts to speak to his goals of reshaping an offensive line desperately in need of improvement as well as improving the talent surrounding young quarterback Drake Maye. The Patriots need plenty of fixes and Vrabel directly outlined his plan to do so.
Information
NESN.com’s Sean T. McGuire detailed the top quotes from Vrabel’s press conference. He called for organizational accountability and set an early precedent for the identity he will ensure his team develops.
Grade: A-
Vrabel didn’t necessarily have weaknesses in his press conference, but we can’t set the ceiling after 24 hours. The new Patriots coach has his work cut out for him and the roster needs upgrades across the board.
For now, Vrabel said all the right things to offer a reminder as to why the Patriots entrusted him with the keys to the franchise in New England.