Aug 4, 2024; Cleveland Browns advisor Mike Vrabel during practice at the Browns training facility in Berea, Ohio. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images / Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Heading into Week 18, there were reports that New England was going to bring back Jerod Mayo for the 2025 season but that didn’t happen. Shortly after beating the Buffalo Bills, the Pats fired Mayo.

Mike Vrabel was someone who quickly emerged as the favorite due to his ties with the organization and stout tenure with the Tennessee Titans. Vrabel was in Boston on Thursday and interviewed with the team.

With that interview in the rearview mirror, New England is slated to interview Detroit’s offensive coordinator Ben Johnson on Friday.

Patriots are open to being blown away by Johnson today. No other known interviews scheduled after that, and Mike Vrabel looms large as a prime candidate. Today feels like a pivotal day. https://t.co/CYlGwGwhtP

— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) January 10, 2025

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler revealed the Friday is going to be a big day for the Pats HC sweepstakes.

“Patriots are open to being blown away by Johnson today. No other known interviews scheduled after that, and Mike Vrabel looms large as a prime candidate. Today feels like a pivotal day.”

– Jeremy Fowler

While Johnson is one of the hottest names in the coaching cycle, there is a massive risk when it comes to waiting on him if they do believe he’s their No. 1 guy.

Since the Lions are in the midst of a postseason run, New England would have to wait for the Lions to be eliminated from the postseason. That is a huge if, as the Lions are the No. 1 seed in the NFC and are serious Super Bowl contenders.

In addition, there’s no guarantee that Johnson would even take the Pats’ job. He’s made it clear that he wants to create alignment between him and the general manager. He also wants to work with an owner who is willing to identify the team’s weaknesses and correct them. Since Eliot Wolf is returning, he would have a say in who the GM is. Just last offseason, Johnson decided not to take any of the openings and head back to Detroit.

As for Vrabel, he’s not signed to anyone and could become the head coach immediately, which is a plus. We can’t forget that Vrabel is also one of the hottest candidates available. He already interviewed with the New York Jets and is high on their list. The Las Vegas Raiders HC gig is also available and Tom Brady has a ton of influence as a minority owner.

There’s a chance that Vrabel lands elsewhere if New England drags their feet, hoping to land Johnson. It’ll be an interesting couple of days but time is ticking for New England.

If they want Vrabel, they must make it happen as soon as possible to avoid losing him.