With the New England Patriots back in the Super Bowl this season and facing the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl 60 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Sunday, Feb. 8, Patriots owner Robert Kraft is back in familiar territory.
The Patriots have won six Super Bowls and appeared in 12 Super Bowls (with the upcoming appearance) under Kraft’s ownership. After Bill Belichick’s exit, the Patriots turned to Jerod Mayo, but his tenure lasted just one season and ended with another 4–13 finish in 2024.
Patriots Owner Robert Kraft Talks About Hiring HC Mike Vrabel
And so, that losing season was the tip of the iceberg. Kraft pulled the trigger, hiring former Patriots linebacker and ex-Titans head coach Mike Vrabel.
In a wide-ranging interview with NBC Sports’ Rodney Harrison and Devin McCourty, Kraft addressed why he chose to bring Vrabel back to the franchise.
“Well, you know, I remember him as a player, and he was really physical, spirited, and a team guy,” Kraft said.
“All team, you know, which meant he had boundaries. And, you know, I watched what he did at Tennessee and thought he did a great job. Look, you know, I had hoped that the decision I had made with Jerrod would have worked out better.
“I can’t stand losing,” Kraft said. “And I just, probably the best decisions I’ve made in my life, they don’t teach that at Harvard Business School. I go with my nose and instinct. I just felt like he was the right guy for our team and I’m glad things have worked out as they did this year.”
Vrabel led the Patriots to a 14-3 overall record and into Super Bowl 60, a turnaround for the franchise. Quarterback Drake Maye, in his second NFL season, proved to be quite a catalyst for the New England offense.
According to the PFSN NFL Offense Impact metrics, measured throughout the regular season, the Patriots’ offense had an impact score of 86.6 and graded out to a B. As for the PFSN NFL QB Impact metrics, Maye had an impact score of 91.1 and graded out to an A-. Only San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy had a higher impact score.
Under Vrabel’s leadership, New England won playoff games against the Los Angeles Chargers, Houston Texans, and Denver Broncos to reach Super Bowl 60. Now, Vrabel, Maye, and the rest of the Patriots will look to bring the franchise its seventh Super Bowl championship on Sunday.
