The New England Patriots have achieved a remarkable turnaround in the 2025 NFL season, clinching the AFC East title after a dominant 42-10 victory against the New York Jets. This win marks the team’s 13th of the season, a significant improvement from their 8-26 record during the previous two years. Head coach Mike Vrabel, who took the helm earlier this year, has been credited with this exceptional transformation.
Vrabel’s impact on the Patriots has drawn praise from former NFL standout and Hall of Famer Howie Long. Speaking on “Fox NFL Sunday,” Long expressed his support for Vrabel in the Coach of the Year race, emphasizing the coach’s ability to maximize talent while implementing effective strategies to turn the franchise around. “I’m going to say Mike Vrabel,” Long stated, according to Fox Sports. “For an organization that was in a bit of a free-fall, I think to maximize the talent of Drake Maye and put an emphasis on protection, bringing back Josh McDaniels as the offensive coordinator, I think that was a big key.”
Vrabel’s decision to rehire McDaniels, who previously served as the team’s offensive coordinator, has proven critical. In 2024, under former coordinator Alex Van Pelt, the Patriots struggled offensively, ranking 31st in yards and 30th in points. Now, as the regular season approaches its conclusion, the Patriots boast one of the league’s top offenses, sitting fourth in yards and fifth in points. This remarkable turnaround is attributed to both McDaniels’ innovative play-calling and the effective implementation of new talent, including wide receiver Stefon Diggs and tackle Will Campbell.
Long highlighted the impressive progression of quarterback Drake Maye, who has emerged as a leading candidate for the Most Valuable Player award this season. Through 17 games, Maye has completed 71.7% of his passes, throwing 30 touchdowns against just eight interceptions. This is a significant leap from his rookie season, where he recorded 15 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Long noted that a coach’s primary duty is player development, and Vrabel’s ability to enhance Maye’s performance exemplifies this responsibility.
A key aspect of Vrabel’s coaching style is his approach to player relationships. He is known for embracing each player as they return to the locker room after games, a gesture that Long describes as an example of Vrabel’s “tough love” approach. This nurturing side, combined with his focus on accountability, has helped forge a strong team identity. While these post-game hugs may not directly contribute to wins, they play a vital role in establishing a positive and cohesive team culture.
As the Patriots continue to build on their success, the combination of Vrabel’s strategic acumen and the growth of players like Maye positions New England as a formidable contender in the NFL. The team’s performance this season not only highlights Vrabel’s coaching prowess but also sets the stage for potential accolades, including the coveted Coach of the Year award.
