Mike Vrabel has been honored with the Coach of the Year award for the second time in his career, as announced during the NFL Honors on Thursday night. Vrabel, now at the helm of the New England Patriots, garnered 19 out of 50 first-place votes, accumulating a total of 302 points. His impressive performance secured him the accolade over a number of strong contenders, including Jacksonville’s Liam Coen, who finished with 239 points and 16 first-place votes, Seattle’s Mike Macdonald with 191 points and eight votes, Chicago’s Ben Johnson with 145 points and one vote, and San Francisco’s Kyle Shanahan, who received 140 points with six votes.
Vrabel’s career has been marked by significant turnarounds, similar to those led by other nominees like Coen and Johnson. Macdonald’s Seahawks achieved the coveted No. 1 seed in the NFC, while Shanahan’s 49ers, overcoming numerous injuries, managed to secure a close race for the top seed, ultimately falling to the Seahawks in Week 18.
In achieving this award, Vrabel adds his name to a prestigious list of coaches who have won multiple Coach of the Year honors across different franchises. He joins the ranks of notable figures such as Chuck Knox, Bill Parcells, Bruce Arians, Dan Reeves, Don Shula, and George Allen.
Having taken the reins of the Patriots prior to the 2025 season, Vrabel has already made a significant impact, leading the team to a remarkable 13-4 record and a division title in his inaugural season, reversing the fortunes of a squad that finished 4-13 the previous year under Jerod Mayo. Vrabel also secured the Coach of the Year award in 2021 while coaching the Titans.
This year’s NFL Honors reflect the regular season’s achievements, with voting concluded after Week 18, showcasing the deserving candidates who made notable contributions to their teams. The Patriots and their fans can take pride in Vrabel’s accomplishment, signaling an encouraging future for the franchise under his leadership.