Cross the New England Patriots off the list of potential head coaching destinations for the coveted Detroit Lions assistants Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn. On Sunday morning, ESPN’s Adam Schefter broke the news that the Patriots have reached an agreement with former Titans head coach Mike Vrabel to become their new head coach.
The move was widely expected, though the Patriots still proceeded with an interview with Johnson. That virtual interview took place after the Patriots had interviewed Vrabel, who played for New England in his NFL career. Glenn turned down New England’s request to interview for the position.
Johnson is still considered a leading candidate for head coach openings in Chicago, Jacksonville, Las Vegas and with the New York Jets. Glenn has been heavily linked to the New Orleans Saints, though he’s one of several candidates there.
Vrabel has been serving as a special assistant for the Cleveland Browns. He was a candidate for the Lions head coach opening back in 2018 when the team instead hired Matt Patricia.