The Las Vegas Raiders have officially begun their first head coach search since Tom Brady became a part-owner of the team, and there is a chance the legendary quarterback could have a major impact.
Shortly after the Raiders fired Antonio Pierce on Tuesday, Dianna Russini of The Athletic reported that Brady is expected to have “a lot” of input in his team’s hunt for a new leader.
Mike Vrabel is one of the hottest names on the head coach market this offseason. Brady and Vrabel, a former Pro Bowl linebacker, were teammates on the New England Patriots for eight seasons. They won three Super Bowls together and remain close friends.
When Vrabel was surprisingly fired by the Tennessee Titans a year ago, there was speculation that Brady might be able to steer his former teammate to Las Vegas. The Raiders instead hired Antonio Pierce, who had enjoyed a solid run as their interim head coach and had the support of the locker room.
Vrabel remains available, though there might be more competition for him this time around. His and Brady’s former team is also in need of a new head coach after firing Jerod Mayo. Many have assumed that the Patriots will hire Vrabel, and it is possible Vrabel even pressured them into making a coaching change.
New England has a potential franchise quarterback in place with Drake Maye. Vrabel is also close with Patriots owner Robert Kraft, so he may prefer to coach his former team over working with Brady again.
If the Raiders want Vrabel, the 49-year-old coach will likely entertain a conversation with Brady, at the very least. That alone should be enough to worry the Patriots if Vrabel is their top target.
