The New England Patriots are going through yet another culture shift with their third head coach in three seasons, but it sure sounds like the new one is going to feel a lot like the old one.
After Mike Vrabel was hired as the new head coach of the Patriots on Sunday, former Tennessee Titans offensive lineman Taylor Lewan took to social media to provide current and future Pats players with a breakdown of what it will be like to play for Vrabel. Lewan, a three-time Pro Bowl left tackle, said the culture in New England is “gonna be incredible” and that the team will start winning.
Lewan also warned players that things are going to be “really hard” and they need to pay attention to every detail.
“Now, if you’re a player, you need to keep your f–ing head on a swivel, okay? You need to understand that sh– is about to be really hard for a little bit, and it’s gonna be okay. But just know, you’re about go into hell for a little bit,” Lewan said. “You’re gonna be sitting there in the locker room and getting in small groups going, ‘Who the f– is this guy? Why is he talking to us like this? Who does he think he is? Yeah, he played in the league, whatever.'”
Lewan, who now co-hosts the popular “Bussin’ With the Boys” podcast for Barstool Sports, said Patriots players are going to be quizzed on offense, defense and special teams regardless of which unit or units they play on. Lewan said if you don’t have the answer ready to go the second you’re called on, Vrabel will not be afraid to embarrass you.
“I’m telling you it’s gonna work out. I was a part of it,” Lewan added. “I was in those small little groups at first and then you start to get away from it and it’s like, ‘Yo, this dude knows what the f– he’s talking about.’ But, keep your butthole tight in those team meeting rooms. You have got to keep your butthole tight.
“It’s gonna work out. I swear to god it’s gonna get tough at times, and he can be nasty. Boys, you’re gonna win some games now. You’re gonna win some games. You guys are in a good little spot.”
You can see the full video, but be aware that it contains cursing:
Congrats to @CoachVrabel50 and the @Patriots franchise, y’all are gonna win some games 👀
To all the players and staff in the building, this is a little video for you to reference as you walk into OTAs.
I also suggest any player that gets drafted by the Pats take a peek at this… pic.twitter.com/9Jkuy3ZYSW
— Taylor Lewan (@TaylorLewan77) January 12, 2025
Lewan played for the Titans for his entire career from 2014-2022. Vrabel was the head coach in Tennessee from 2018-2023, so he was there for the end of Lewan’s outstanding NFL run. The two seemed to have a close relationship, as evidenced by the incredible joke Lewan once cracked after the Titans won a playoff game.
The way Lewan described Vrabel reminded a lot of people of Bill Belichick, which makes sense. Vrabel played for Belichick in New England and won three Super Bowls under the legendary coach.
Jerod Mayo seemed determined to do things a lot differently from Belichick, and there were times when that approach backfired. Vrabel will likely run things a lot more like Belichick ran them.
