Vince Wilfork has high praise for Mike Vrabel, calling him “phenomenal” and the best possible hire for the Patriots in this year’s coaching shuffle. However, the Patriots legend isn’t happy about the circumstances that led to his former teammate landing the job.
Wilfork, much like fellow Super Bowl champion Benjamin Watson, believes Jerod Mayo was put in an unfair position during his debut season as head coach in Foxboro.
“I think it was BS to pull that. And knowing Jerod personally, I know the conversations,” Wilfork told Fox News Digital. “I know what it is. It’s just hard to fathom, but that’s the business when you deal with certain people. I think it was unfair.”
Wilfork’s frustration stems from the challenging scenario Mayo stepped into. The rookie head coach inherited a team that finished a miserable 4-13 in Bill Belichick’s final season leading the Patriots.
“So what do you think Mayo was (going to) do with the same people Bill brought in? Mayo’s the one who found the future quarterback in Drake Maye,” Wilfork said. “It’s just unfortunate. But it’s part of the game, part of the business.”
Wilfork’s criticism isn’t unfounded, and the situation reveals two truths about the Patriots’ coaching turnover. While Mayo wasn’t given the tools to succeed, Vrabel likely brings the expertise and leadership needed to rebuild the franchise and ensure lasting success at One Patriot Place.
As Wilfork pointed out, such shake-ups are part of the unpredictable nature of the NFL.
