The way things look, it is shaping up that the Colts will have their top choice when it comes to filling the defensive coordinator role.

Tony Dews was a running backs coach under Vrabel with the Tennessee Titans from 2018-2022, before taking over as the tight ends coach in 2023. He has been with the New York Jets ever since in a similar role, and he could return to the Patriots with Vrabel likely wanting people he has worked with to come aboard.

The new head coach of the New England Patriots, Mike Vrabel, will face a wide array of significant challenges as he tries to restore the once-dominant franchise to contender status in the AFC following back-to-back 4-13 seasons.

Will Josh McDaniels, Wes Welker and Bryan Cox return? Here's a look at who might be Vrabel's assistant coaches.

According to Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network, the Falcons are hiring Jeff Ulbrich to be their next defensive coordinator. Ulbrich was previously the defensive coordinator for the New York Jets and took over as the interim head coach this season after Robert Saleh was fired.

“It’s a tough league,’’ Richardson said Wednesday, via Mike Chappell of Fox 59 ... moves toward his third season in Indianapolis. After Sunday’s playoff-disqualifying loss to the Giants, former Colts punter Pat McAfee went off on the team ...

Vrabel was the favorite from the start of the Patriots’ search, given his relationship with owner Robert Kraft, his experience, and his coaching style. The Patriots also considered Byron Leftwich, Pep Hamilton, and Ben Johnson, but ultimately landed on the clear front-runner.

The Patriot Way The New England Patriots hired Mike Vrabel as their head coach on Jan. 12. He replaces Jared Mayo. They have something in common other than being former players for the AFC East team.

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — When Mike Vrabel began his post-NFL playing career as an assistant coach at Ohio State in 2011, he had thoughts of one day returning to the New England Patriots.

Now, the Patriots have reportedly found their next coach, as ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Sunday morning that they're set to hire Mike Vrabel as their 16th head coach in franchise history.

In today's episode of Football 301, Nate Tice and Matt Harmon break down the latest NFL coaching hires and what they mean for the future of the league.