Mike Vrabel Named NFL Coach of the Year After Patriots’ Remarkable Turnaround

6 February 2026 Sports

BOSTON, Mass. — Mike Vrabel, the head coach of the New England Patriots, was named the NFL Coach of the Year at the NFL Honors ceremony on February 5, 2026, capping off a season that saw one of the most remarkable turnarounds in recent NFL history. Vrabel led the Patriots to a 14-3 record after back-to-back seasons with just four wins, a transformation that has positioned the team as a formidable contender in Super Bowl LX.

Vrabel’s achievement marks his second time receiving this prestigious award, having first won it in 2021 while coaching the Tennessee Titans. This season, he secured 19 of the 50 first-place votes and amassed a total of 302 points, edging out other finalists including Seattle Seahawks’ Mike Macdonald, San Francisco 49ers’ Kyle Shanahan, Jacksonville Jaguars’ Liam Coen, and Chicago Bears’ Ben Johnson.

The Patriots’ resurgence under Vrabel has been widely praised by analysts and fans alike. After struggling through two difficult campaigns, the team’s 10-win improvement is one of the largest turnarounds in NFL history. Vrabel’s leadership, strategic acumen, and ability to inspire his players have been credited with revitalizing the franchise.

As the Patriots prepare to face the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl LX, Vrabel remains focused on securing his first-ever Super Bowl victory as a head coach. The matchup between Vrabel and Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald adds an intriguing layer to the championship game, highlighting the impact both coaches have had on their teams this season.

Vrabel’s recognition at the NFL Honors ceremony, held in San Francisco, underscores his status as one of the league’s elite coaches. His journey from a struggling team to Super Bowl contender exemplifies the resilience and dedication required at the highest levels of professional football.

For more details on the NFL Honors and the Coach of the Year award, visit the official NFL website. To explore the Patriots’ season statistics and history, the New England Patriots official site offers comprehensive coverage. Additionally, insights into coaching achievements and awards can be found at the Pro Football Hall of Fame. For broader NFL news and updates leading up to Super Bowl LX, the ESPN NFL section provides extensive reporting and analysis.

As the football world turns its attention to Super Bowl LX, all eyes will be on Vrabel and his Patriots to see if this Coach of the Year can translate his regular-season success into a championship triumph.

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Marcus Reed follows major U.S. leagues, college sports and big events with an eye for the business, culture and community stories that live beyond the scoreboard.
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