The New England Patriots are in the middle of a head coaching search after firing Jerod Mayo. Mayo was a former player in the organization, so people were optimistic that he could lead the team back to their former glory,

Mike Vrabel may be the frontrunner for the Patriots head coaching job, but Ben Johnson cannot be overlooked either.

When the Patriots kicked off firing season by axing Jerod Mayo the assumption was that room was being made for Mike Vrabel. The former franchise legend’s name was already circulating in coaching rumors,

Vrabel, a Patriots Hall of Famer, has experience, can deal with media demands and expectations, plus has the bona fide Patriot pedigree.

“There is buzz in some coaching circles that Josh McDaniels could be a prime candidate to be Vrabel's offensive coordinator. That would be quite the nostalgia tandem, and though McDaniels is a two-time failed head coach, no one disputes his coordinator chops,” Jeremy Fowler reported.

The Patriots bring back a familiar face, Bears get an offensive wizard and Jaguars hope for the best despite Trent Baalke’s presence.

Should that happen, Vrabel would undoubtedly be at the top of Ohio State’s list of potential candidates. Vrabel played his college ball with the Buckeyes, and started his coaching career there as a linebackers coach before making the jump back to the NFL.

Sep 8, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) talks with offensive coordinator Liam Coen against the Washington Commanders during the first half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images