If the Patriots truly are considering parting with Bill Belichick, then the urgency to make such a move might have just ratcheted up substantially.
The Titans made a surprise decision Tuesday, canning Mike Vrabel after six seasons. A Patriots legend, Vrabel will instantly become one of the most sought after coaches in the NFL this offseason.
This comes amid uncertainty about Belichick’s future. While not a foregone conclusion Belichick leaves New England this offseason, it seems as though it’s more of a possibility this winter than ever before.
And if the Patriots want to go get Vrabel, then the decision on Belichick is going to have to be made fast.
“It’s a new opportunity, it’s imagination-land coming to life,” former Patriot Christian Fauria said Tuesday on Gresh & Fauria. “This changes everything, changes everything. Because you have a hardcore, realistic, connected former player, smart coach that is now on the open market. He’s open. This is your guy, like whatever conversation you were having – like ‘Hey listen, sorry Bill, we’ve got to cut this short. You’ve got to go out the back door too. Hey Mike! I think I see you coming down the street. ...
“Yep (he’s your dream guy). He’s a player, he’s up there with (Jim) Harbaugh. It’s really Harbaugh, Bill and Mike and you put them in whatever order you want. This is the guy, this is the culture-setting, changing, philosophy-building, get out of my way, I'm in charge, big, strong, smart personality. Can handle anybody, can handle any situation. This guy, he’s going to be hired quick. ...
“If you were open to the idea (of firing Belichick), and you already were kind of kicking the can down the road and you’re the Krafts and you’re the hiring team … If you were maybe on the outskirts thinking about Vrabel, it’s now a legitimate option for you.”
The history aspect of things certainly plays in the Patriots' favor. However, there are teams that on paper are more attractive destinations because of the state of their team, the Falcons and Chargers among them.
But one has to think the Patriots would be at least a somewhat attractive option for Vrabel. And if they’re going to make a strong push, then other dominoes now have to fall sooner than later.