A coaching journey he needed to take, and the former star linebacker uniquely suited to put a faltering franchise back on track.

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

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.