Colin Cowherd recently used New England’s resurgence to draw a compelling comparison between Bill Belichick and his successor, Mike Vrabel. The commentator credited Vrabel with making a significant impact on the Patriots’ culture. Cowherd revisited the franchise’s coaching transition following New England’s 23-20 win over Buffalo on Sunday Night Football.
Belichick, who led the Patriots for more than two decades before parting ways in 2024, now coaches at North Carolina. Vrabel, a key defensive piece during New England’s championship years, returned to Foxborough this offseason to take the helm as head coach.
Despite struggling last year, Vrabel stands in stark contrast to Mike McDaniel of Miami. Cowherd described Vrabel as “all function and no flash,” emphasizing that his brand and scheme embody toughness. “He’s a 260-pound pair of work boots,” Cowherd said, “and that is what Vrabel is all about.”
New England has shown improvement, climbing above .500 with a 3-2 record after two straight victories. Meanwhile, the Tar Heels have stumbled to a 2-3 record, suffering lopsided losses to TCU, UCF, and Clemson.
### Colin Cowherd Questions Bill Belichick’s Roster Legacy as Mike Vrabel Keeps Building
Cowherd also focused on Bill Belichick’s talent evaluation—a topic that became increasingly discussed during the latter part of his Patriots tenure. The Fox Sports host argued that Mike Vrabel inherited a thin roster, pointing to the program’s uneven stretch following Tom Brady’s departure in 2019.
“NFL coaching and a lot of business is masonry, laying bricks every day, and that’s what Vrabel does,” Cowherd said. He added, “He still gives Brady and Belichick crap. Belichick, you’re seeing it in college. Belichick doesn’t know college personnel. He can’t recruit it in college. He couldn’t draft it in the NFL. He can’t, and so Vrabel didn’t get anything.”
Belichick’s legacy includes an impressive 266-121 record, six Super Bowl titles, and nine AFC championships. Interestingly, the UNC coach reportedly instructed his staff not to share Patriots-related content on social media. Several former New England staffers now with the Tar Heels followed that directive during the Bills game on Sunday.
This was despite Drake Maye, a North Carolina product, leading the Patriots to an upset win. Belichick has also barred New England scouts from attending Tar Heels practices.
### Mike Vrabel’s Approach: Communication and Team Identity
Vrabel has emphasized direct communication and building a strong team identity to set the tone for the Patriots. Following the Buffalo win, he delivered a locker room speech and handed out game balls to Stefon Diggs and Andy Borregales.
The Patriots also reshaped their roster in the offseason by adding veterans such as Harold Landry Jr., Milton Williams, and Stefon Diggs. Vrabel’s staff has played a crucial role in helping Drake Maye settle in after a turbulent rookie year.
With a renewed culture focused on toughness and consistency, Mike Vrabel appears poised to continue building the Patriots’ legacy in the post-Belichick era.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/nfl/news-bill-belichick-catches-strays-colin-cowherd-highlights-mike-vrabel-effect-new-england
