New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel was just completely shredded for apparently having a big ego when it comes to offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels.
It's really hard to find any fault with Mike Vrabel during his debut campaign as New England Patriots head coach.
The former NFL linebacker has led the Patriots to an 11-3 record and has them in pole position to win their first AFC East division title since 2019, one year after they won just four games.
However, Tennessee radio host Jared Stillman has found a way to nitpick, claiming that Vrabel's "ego" will sabotage things for Drake Maye and the Patriots this season and in years to come.
More specifically, Stillman thinks that Vrabel will aim to oust offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels.
“I know Vrabel-ese, and I know Mike Vrabel,” Stillman said. “I assume that Mike Vrabel is just itching to get Josh McDaniels out of there so that he can hire one of his loser buddies like Todd Downing or Tim Kelly. I can feel it."
That's kind of a weird take considering it was Vrabel's decision to hire McDaniels as offensive coordinator once he accepted the job as New England's coach next winter, but whatever.
New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images.“The only thing in my opinion that’s going to keep Mike Vrabel, and Drake Maye, and Josh McDaniels, from winning the Super Bowl at some point over the next five years, is Mike Vrabel’s ego,” Stillman added. “And Josh McDaniels is the epitome of the downside of the great Mike Vrabel.”
So, why does a Tennessee radio personality care so much about Vrabel?
Well, Vrabel spent six seasons as Titans head coach between 2018 and 2023. His early years in Music City were filled with tremendous success, as he led Tennessee to four straight winning campaigns, three playoff appearances, two AFC South division titles and a trip to the AFC Championship Game.
Vrabel then went just 13-21 over his final two seasons with the club.
Stillman clarified his rant by stating that he didn't like how Vrabel credited the entire coaching staff rather than McDaniels individually when the head coach was asked about the job McDaniels has done running the offense.
This just seems like sour grapes to me.
The Pats are flourishing under Vrabel and have a chance of making a serious playoff run thanks to the work he has done this season.