Mike Vrabel has been showered with accolades and praise in his first year as head coach of the New England Patriots. Taking over a four-win team and leading it to a Super Bowl appearance does that to you.
That recognition is coming from all sides, including his own players. Stefon Diggs recently called Vrabel “probably the best coach I ever had,” while numerous others credited him for the team’s turnaround and change in culture.
Then, there is defensive tackle Cory Durden.
Originally a practice squad signing by the Patriots after cutdown day, Durden has since become an important rotational option along the team’s interior defensive line. The 27-year-old has a clear idea about who he has to thank for that.
“He has a crazy impact on a lot of guys on the team,” Durden said earlier this week. “You see how he is — he’s very hands-on. He’s an amazing coach. I mean, he changed my career. This year has been a really big year for me and it’s changed a lot of things for me in the future, and I’m excited about that.
“But I think that the type of coach he is and what he represents is what you see on the field and it’s what our record is. That’s what you get.”
A three-time Super Bowl champion with the Patriots during his playing days, Vrabel originally started his coaching career at his alma mater, Ohio State, before joining the Houston Texans and becoming head coach with the Tennessee Titans. After his dismissal from the Titans and a one-year stint in Cleveland, he returned to New England to take over following the firing of one-and-done coach Jerod Mayo.
Vrabel and his support staff went on to quickly rebuild the team, with the former journeyman Durden also added along the way. Now, they and the rest of the Patriots are getting ready for Super Bowl LX against the Seattle Seahawks.
“Just surreal. Everything came to fruition,” Durden said. “We’re seeing all of our hard work come and shine in front of us. That was just the big feeling. A lot of guys some guys were crying, some guys reacted differently. You know, we’ve had guys who’ve been in the league 10, 11 years who have never been to a Super Bowl. I walked up to [Stefon Diggs] after game. I kind of told him, ‘Your whole career, this is the goal. You came here with us and now we’re one step closer to that.’”
A life-changing experience indeed.
