Mike Vrabel Complicating Patriots' Belichick Decision?

Bill Belichick made the first move Monday by saying he would be open to relinquishing power in the front office to save his job. That might affect what happens with the recently fired Mike Vrabel now, too.

We're a long way away from Bill Belichick up and resigning from the New England Patriots for not being given complete control of the front office. But as the dust settles in Foxboro after a 4-13 campaign, many people are wondering if this was the final season for Belichick and his hoodie as head coach. 

Analysts and fans pointed to the coach's inability to identify talent in the draft as a reason for the team not winning a playoff game in four years. Some believe that while his coaching prowess remains impressive, the front office moves made ultimately hurt his coaching chances. 

It seems that Belichick not only agrees with that thought process but is now open to potentially relinquishing power within the organization to remain as head coach. 

"I’m for whatever we collectively decide is best for the football team," Belichick said the day after New England's season ended on Sunday. 

Should Belichick stay on as head coach but lose the job of general manager, he would not be the first future Hall-of-Famer to do so. In Philadelphia, Andy Reid was both general manager and head coach for much of the Eagles' early runs in the 2000s. He gave up the decision-making process when he went to Kansas City with John Dorsey and Brett Veach. 

Of course, any decision on whether Belichick stays or not in New England has gotten even more complicated following the surprising firing of Mike Vrabel.

Vrabel is regarded as one of the best coaches in football despite missing the playoffs in the last two years with the Titans. His previous ties with the Patriots (he won three Super Bowls as a linebacker there), make him a worthy candidate to replace the Hall-of-Famer should owner Robert Kraft decide to clean house. 

If Belichick were to relinquish control of the front office though, it becomes more likely that the Patriots could keep him and try to right the ship. It would be unlikely that Vrabel would come to be a defensive coordinator as he will be one of the more sought-after coaches for teams looking for leaders. 

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So here we are. 

No decision has been made yet on whether the Patriots will have a new coach in 2024, and with Vrabel being on the open market, it will sure complicate the process. 

Two days removed from Black Monday, and it's clear that all eyes are going to be on Foxboro and Kraft as they determine the next step for this once-historic franchise.

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