Mike Vrabel: Jets Show ‘Very Real’ Interest in Head Coach Candidacy

Imagine a scenario where Mike Vrabel could have been coaching in the AFC East, facing off against the New England Patriots twice a year. It almost became a reality! Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer shared some inside scoop on the Jets’ interest in hiring Vrabel during the offseason.

According to Breer, both sides had a genuine interest in making it happen. Two days after Vrabel’s contract with the Cleveland Browns ended, he had dinner with Jets officials in New Jersey and impressed them with his vision and leadership qualities. The Jets were so impressed that they wanted to bring him in for a second interview.

However, the Patriots quickly fired their head coach after the season finale, and Vrabel became a top contender for the job in New England. Despite the Jets’ interest, the Patriots moved quickly to secure Vrabel as their new head coach, leaving the Jets without a chance for a second interview.

Breer also mentioned that Vrabel has a good relationship with the Jets organization, and they had high regards for him during the interview process. In fact, SNY’s Jets reporter Connor Hughes reported that the Jets were very keen on hiring Vrabel as their head coach and even made a last-ditch effort to change his mind before he took the Patriots job.

In the end, Vrabel was hired by the Patriots less than 10 days after his interview with the Jets, leaving those in New York disappointed. It’s a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the NFL coaching carousel and the close call between Vrabel and the Jets. Check out the video above for more details on this intriguing story.