Right off the bat, Vrabel was viewed as the favorite to end up being his replacement. In fact, the rumors about Vrabel started well before Mayo was actually fired. A new shocking

Former New England Patriots linebacker Tedy Bruschi gave a strong endorsement for Mike Vrabel being named the Patriots' new head coach. Bruschi and Vrabel were teammates from 2001-2008 and won three Super Bowls in that timeframe.

FOXBORO -- The New England Patriots have hired Mike Vrabel to be the team's next head coach. For Vrabel, it's a return to the franchise that he won three Super Bowl titles with as a player. Sources confirmed to WBZ-TV's Dan Roche Sunday morning that the Patriots have hired Vrabel.