Mike Vrabel, the newly appointed head coach of the New England Patriots, has laid out a clear vision for his team as he starts his first season at the helm. At 50 years old, Vrabel, a former 14-year NFL linebacker, has identified four foundational pillars that he believes will shape the identity of the Patriots: Effort and finish, Ball security and ball disruption, Details, technique and fundamentals, and Making great decisions. His go-to, hands-on, on-field coaching style embodies these principles. He wants to be the kind of leader that nurtures a whole culture of excellence throughout the company.
The New England Patriots don’t have much time left to prepare for their season opening game against the Las Vegas Raiders on September 7th. To reinforce their bedrock principles, Vrabel has put up large placards inside the organization’s meeting room. This tangible, visual reminder acts as a daily inspiration for every one of his players to hold themselves to the expectations he’s created. Vrabel is especially detail oriented and does a terrific job with technique. His goal, at least on offense, is to build a team that reflects a “violent” brand of football.
Hands-On Coaching Philosophy
Vrabel’s wholistic coaching style shines through with his intense hands-on practice sessions and weekly game preparation. My colleagues have observed that he creates a culture that is very much in keeping with high expectations for player performance. His style is up close and personal as he gets directly involved with players on the practice field and in the meeting rooms.
Coaching staff member Zak Kuhr continued, “He never relaxes the tone with the type of play he wants. Every day he is driving that message home.” This type of hands-on coaching is indicative of Vrabel’s no-nonsense approach which favors leading by example and setting the highest expectations.
His philosophy is reminiscent of other old school coaches like Andy Reid. Andy isn’t going to wear that equipment or scream at you, but his playbook is pretty straightforward. Both he and his staff understand fully what is expected and what they must accomplish. So there’s no gray area,” said Smith, stressing the simplicity that both coaches offer in their playbooks.
Participants are challenged to take ownership of their role and hold one another accountable for ongoing development. Morgan Moses articulated the significance of camaraderie off the field: “Just getting to know your brothers outside of the locker room, what they’re going through in life.” By encouraging these bonds of friendship, Vrabel hopes to create a squad of players who will have each other’s backs when times get tough.
The Four Pillars of Identity
The four pillars that Vrabel has instituted go a long way as the baseline for team behavior and performance. Each of the four pillars represents central tenets that Vrabel has said he feels will help form a winning formula.
Effort and Finish drives home the idea of purposeful pursuit in every phase and every step of the game. Coaches often encourage their players to go all out in practices and games and make sure that they finish on every play.
The second pillar is focused on Ball Security and Ball Disruption. It really enforces taking care of the ball when we’re on offense, but really focuses on getting turnovers on defense. This two-pronged approach is imperative if they are to find success in such a competitive AFC East.
Depth, Craft, and Fundamentals further emphasize the value of perfecting the little things when it comes to the sport of football. Vrabel is adamant about the fact that details make the difference between winning and losing. He is convinced that for players to succeed and deliver the highest level performance on a reliable basis, they need to develop their skills and techniques.
Making Great Decisions promotes an understanding that team success should come before individual recognition. “We want players to put the team before themselves,” Vrabel said. To create an “us versus the world” mentality, he stressed to his players that no one would be immune from difficult decisions.
Vision for Success
Vrabel’s ambitions for the team extend beyond just establishing a solid framework. He aims for tangible success on the field. Those goals start with winning the AFC East, hosting home field playoff games and eventually contending for NFL Championships.
Vrabel’s move from coaching in Nashville to taking the helm of the storied Patriots franchise could definitely fit the picture. Nevertheless, he seems bullish about his brand new roster. He’s done the, “One, hands-on experience coaching and two, did a very good job with Tennessee. We’ve supplemented that with a core of intriguing young free agents, and I absolutely love our draft,” he said. It’s clear that his optimism bleeds out as he anticipates putting youth alongside his battle-tested veterans.
Owner Robert Kraft has indicated his confidence in Mike Vrabel’s leadership skills. “I remember duking it out with him. Kraft explained their completely congruous agendas. He hopes he can replicate that same spirit and energy in his new role.
As his fourth season in charge approaches, Vrabel’s increased insistence on creating a united front with a defined purpose is palpable. His commitment to a philosophy grounded in effort and teamwork positions the Patriots for what he hopes will be a successful campaign.
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