Mike Vrabel started his new job Monday, but he wasn’t used to his new surroundings.
Robert Kraft and the Patriots officially introduced Vrabel as New England’s new head coach the day after his appointment was announced. The union marked a return home for Vrabel, who played eight seasons with the Patriots and helped the team win the first three Super Bowls.
Shortly after speaking to reporters at Gillette Stadium, Vrabel sent a message to the New England fan base that supported him for nearly a decade in the 2000s.
“Pats Nation, this is Coach Vrabel. I’m excited to be back,” Vrabel said in a video posted to the Patriots’ social media channels. “I don’t have a football helmet or pads, but I do have a whistle and a headset. I’m going to put something out there that you can be proud of.”
Actions speak louder than words, but New England fans shouldn’t have too many doubts about Vrabel’s promise. The former linebacker was successful in every coaching stint before returning to the Patriots, and appears to have a clear vision for righting the ship in Foxborough, Massachusetts.
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Transforming New England from the NFL’s worst team to a legitimate contender is certainly no easy task. But Vrabel is clearly up for the challenge.
