New England has parted ways with Belichick on Thursday morning.
The Bill Belichick era has officially come to a close in Foxboro as the New England Patriots are parting ways with their head coach. Now, Robert Kraft is tasked with finding the successor for the greatest coach of all time — which seems likely it will be someone with ties to the organization.
Either way, here are seven candidates for New England’s head coaching vacancy.
Jerod Mayo, Patriots linebacker coach
After agreeing to a contract extension last offseason, Mayo was billed by many as the future head coach in waiting. Kraft has since spoken openly about his belief in Mayo, stating “there’s no ceiling on his ability to be a head coach.” Both sides may not have expected the opportunity to come this soon, but he likely remains the favorite in the clubhouse. Mayo has been described by those on the roster as a player’s coach, while he would also keep continuity in place on a top ranked defense.
Mike Vrabel, ex-Titans head coach
The former Patriots linebacker was somewhat surprisingly fired from the Tennessee Titans on Tuesday, which immediately began the rumors about a return to New England — a place Vrabel made clear he values.
“I want you not to take this organziton for granted,” Vrabel told the fans during his Patriots Hall of Fame ceremony last October. “I’ve been a lot of places. This is a special place with great leadership, great fans, great direction, great coaching. Enjoy it. It’s not like this everywhere.”
Between his prior success and relationship with the organization, Vrabel seems like the favorite external candidate to succeed Belichick — an opportunity the 48-year old would likely relish in.
Ben Johnson, Lions offensive coordinator
The mastermind behind one of the top offenses in football, Ben Johnson is expected to be a hot commodity on the coaching market. Based off his work with Jared Goff, Johnson would be a strong choice to pair with a young quarterback to try and get the Patriots’ offense back on track.
Bobby Slowik, Texans offensive coordinator
Like Johnson, Slowik has put his name on the map as another up-and-coming young offensive mind in football. He is now seeing his name enter the head coaching circle after his work with rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud helped get the Houston Texans to the playoffs.
Brian Flores, Vikings defensive coordinator
The former Patriots defensive assistant has done strong work in his post Foxboro career — from being a head coach in Miami to his work as a defensive coordinator this past season in Minnesota. If New England is looking for familiarity with head coaching experience, Flores checks the boxes.
Jim Harbaugh, Michigan head coach
If Robert Kraft wants to make a big move to replace Belichick, there may not be a bigger one to make than Harbaugh — who looks intent on rejoining the NFL after winning the national championship at Michigan.
Josh McDaniels, ex-Raiders head coach
The former Patriots offensive coordinator’s name has been used around Foxboro quite often of late, as he attended New England’s season finale and could have reportedly returned to the coaching staff with Belichick. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport additionally previously reported that McDaniels “shouldn’t be ruled out” as a potential successor.
Kraft has seen first-hand how McDaniels works with a young QB, perhaps making him an enticing option to return. However, a role as an offensive assistant may be more likely.
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