Patriots’ Mike Vrabel Wins 2025 AP NFL Coach of the Year
Mike Vrabel has made a significant impact as the head coach of the New England Patriots. In the 2025 season, he was honored as the AP NFL Coach of the Year. This achievement underscores his effective leadership and strategic capabilities.
Outstanding Performance in 2025
Under Vrabel’s guidance, the Patriots boasted a roster that included many new players, several rookie starters, and second-year quarterback Drake Maye. Maye thrived in 2025, spearheading an offense that ranked second in scoring with an average of 28.8 points per game. Additionally, the squad finished third overall in the league, accumulating 379.4 yards per game.
Defensive Improvements
The Patriots’ defense also improved notably under Vrabel. They ranked fourth in points allowed, giving up only 18.8 points per game. Overall, the defense finished eighth in the NFL, allowing 295.2 yards per game.
Record-Breaking Achievements
The 2025 season saw a remarkable 10-game winning streak for the Patriots, spanning from Week 4 to Week 13. Notably, the team never faced consecutive losses and won every road game during the regular season. This impressive performance helped them secure the AFC East title for the first time since 2019 and positioned them as the conference’s No. 2 seed.
A Homecoming for Vrabel
Vrabel’s appointment as head coach was celebrated as a homecoming. A former Patriots player, he earned three Super Bowl rings during his playing career. His return to New England aimed to restore the franchise’s success.
Path to the Super Bowl
Vrabel’s ongoing turnaround of the Patriots has brought them within one win of the franchise’s seventh Lombardi Trophy. His accomplishments in 2025 are noteworthy; he became the eighth coach in NFL history to reach the Super Bowl in his first season with a team. Moreover, his 17 victories this season are tied for the most by any head coach in their inaugural year with a franchise.
Recognition
This season marks the second time Vrabel has received the AP NFL Coach of the Year award. He previously won the honor in 2021 after leading the Tennessee Titans to the AFC’s top seed.
