Who will be in charge of Vrabel’s offensive strategy? Curran and Perry conjecture

As the New England Patriots usher in a new era with Mike Vrabel at the helm, one of the most pressing questions for fans and analysts alike is: who will be in charge of the team’s offensive strategy? In the NFL, the role of offensive play-caller has become increasingly important, especially as the league has evolved into a high-scoring, pass-heavy environment. Given Vrabel’s defensive background, there is an ongoing conversation about whether he will directly oversee the offense, delegate that responsibility to someone else, or rely on a more collaborative approach.

Two of New England’s most well-respected sports journalists, Tom Curran and Phil Perry, have been speculating on the matter. Their insights shed light on the potential candidates and the challenges that lie ahead for the Patriots as they navigate the offensive coordinator position. In this article, we will delve into their conjectures and explore how the offensive strategy could unfold under Vrabel’s leadership.

Mike Vrabel’s Coaching Philosophy and Background

Before diving into the potential candidates for the offensive strategy position, it’s essential to understand Mike Vrabel’s coaching philosophy and background. As a former linebacker with the New England Patriots under Bill Belichick, Vrabel developed a deep understanding of defensive schemes, which was the foundation for his success as a coach. He became head coach of the Tennessee Titans in 2018 and quickly established himself as a leader who could motivate players, maintain a disciplined locker room, and foster a strong team culture. However, Vrabel’s specialty has always been defense, and much of his early coaching career focused on defensive play-calling and strategy.

In Tennessee, Vrabel demonstrated a commitment to a balanced attack, emphasizing physicality and discipline. His Titans teams were known for their strong running game led by star running back Derrick Henry and for their aggressive, well-coached defense. Vrabel’s approach to offense was largely shaped by his defensive mindset: controlling the clock, limiting mistakes, and making opportunistic plays.

Now that Vrabel is in charge of the Patriots, he will need to adapt his philosophy to a team that has undergone its own identity shift in recent years. The Patriots, once known for their high-powered offense under Tom Brady, have struggled since Brady’s departure in 2020. With Vrabel’s arrival, there is a belief that the offensive strategy may take on a more balanced, run-focused approach, much like his tenure in Tennessee. However, the question remains: who will be in charge of implementing that strategy?

Curran and Perry’s Take on the Offensive Coordinator Role

Tom Curran and Phil Perry, two trusted voices in New England sports media, have offered their opinions on who could take on the role of offensive play-caller under Vrabel’s leadership.

Tom Curran’s Perspective

Tom Curran, a veteran sports reporter for NBC Sports Boston, has long been a go-to source for Patriots news and analysis. Curran’s perspective on Vrabel’s offensive strategy is shaped by his extensive experience covering the Patriots, particularly during the Brady-Belichick era. According to Curran, one of the most important decisions for Vrabel will be determining whether he wants to assume control of the offense himself or delegate the responsibility to a trusted coordinator.

Curran believes that Vrabel’s defensive background could result in a more hands-off approach to the offense. In his time with the Titans, Vrabel worked alongside offensive coordinators such as Matt LaFleur (now head coach of the Green Bay Packers) and Arthur Smith (head coach of the Atlanta Falcons), both of whom were known for their expertise in offensive strategy. Curran suggests that Vrabel may look to bring in a similarly capable offensive coordinator to help shape the Patriots’ offensive identity.

One possibility Curran discusses is the promotion of someone within the Patriots’ current staff to offensive coordinator. The team has a number of experienced coaches who could step up, including Bill O’Brien, a former offensive coordinator for the Patriots and the current head coach at Alabama. O’Brien has a strong offensive mind and a history of success in the NFL, including his tenure with the Houston Texans. If O’Brien were to be hired as the offensive coordinator, Curran suggests that Vrabel could focus on the overall direction of the team while allowing O’Brien to oversee the offensive play-calling.

However, Curran also acknowledges that Vrabel may prefer to bring in an entirely new face to lead the offense. Given that the Patriots’ offense has struggled in recent seasons, Vrabel could opt for an outside hire who can inject fresh ideas and a modern approach to the offensive side of the ball. In this scenario, Curran suggests that Vrabel’s experience as a defensive-minded head coach might influence his decision to rely on a trusted offensive strategist to execute a plan that aligns with his broader team philosophy.

Phil Perry’s Analysis

Phil Perry, a senior writer for NBC Sports Boston, shares Curran’s belief that Vrabel will likely delegate the offensive play-calling duties to a trusted figure. Perry notes that Vrabel’s primary focus will be on maintaining the team’s overall identity and culture, which has always been rooted in discipline, toughness, and situational awareness. Perry suggests that Vrabel will likely want to avoid micromanaging the offense and, instead, trust a coordinator to oversee the offensive side of the ball.

Perry’s analysis further underscores the fact that Vrabel’s expertise lies in defense and leadership, rather than offensive scheming. In the NFL, head coaches who have a defensive background often rely on strong offensive coordinators to take the reins on that side of the ball, and Perry predicts that Vrabel will follow suit. While Vrabel’s experience as a defensive coach has made him an excellent motivator and team leader, Perry argues that his involvement in offensive play-calling could undermine the overall success of the team. Instead, Perry believes that Vrabel will prioritize building a coaching staff that allows him to focus on what he does best—leading the team.

Perry also highlights the potential fit of Bill O’Brien as an offensive coordinator under Vrabel. O’Brien has strong ties to the Patriots organization, having served as offensive coordinator under Bill Belichick from 2007 to 2011. O’Brien also has experience as the head coach of the Houston Texans, where he ran an offense that was known for its ability to balance the run and the pass. Perry suggests that O’Brien’s familiarity with the Patriots’ system, as well as his experience as a play-caller in both the NFL and college football, makes him a natural candidate to take over the offensive reins.

In Perry’s view, O’Brien would not only bring stability and experience to the offensive side of the ball, but he would also be able to collaborate effectively with Vrabel. The two coaches share a mutual respect for each other, and O’Brien’s offensive expertise would complement Vrabel’s focus on team-building and defense. Perry believes that a partnership between Vrabel and O’Brien would be one of the more seamless and effective coaching relationships in the NFL.

The Potential Candidates for Offensive Coordinator

In addition to Bill O’Brien, there are a few other potential candidates that Curran and Perry speculate about for the Patriots’ offensive coordinator position. These coaches would bring different strengths to the table, and it is possible that Vrabel will consider multiple options as he assembles his coaching staff.

1. Matt Patricia (Former Patriots Assistant Coach)

Matt Patricia, a longtime Patriots assistant and former defensive coordinator, has experience with the team and could be considered for a role on the offensive side of the ball. While Patricia’s focus has traditionally been on defense, he did serve as the team’s offensive play-caller in a temporary capacity in the 2022 season. However, his brief tenure was marked by mixed results, and it is unclear whether Vrabel would bring him back for a more prominent offensive role.

2. Josh McDaniels (Former Patriots Offensive Coordinator)

Josh McDaniels, who was previously the Patriots’ offensive coordinator for over a decade, is another name that could emerge in discussions about the team’s offensive strategy. After a stint as head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders, McDaniels was let go in 2024. His familiarity with the Patriots’ offense and his ability to adapt to various quarterback styles make him an intriguing possibility. However, given the circumstances of his departure from the Raiders, it remains to be seen whether McDaniels would be welcomed back to New England.

3. External Candidates with Fresh Ideas

While O’Brien is a favorite due to his history with the team, Vrabel might look outside the Patriots organization for fresh ideas. Coaches like Kellen Moore, the former offensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys, or Shane Steichen, who has a successful track record with the Indianapolis Colts, could be possibilities. These coaches have demonstrated an ability to design dynamic, high-scoring offenses, and Vrabel may seek a change in philosophy to adapt to the modern NFL.