Patriots complete one head coaching interview, as another request is declined
The New England Patriots completed their interview with Mike Vrabel for their head coach opening on Thursday. Meanwhile, Aaron Glenn declined their request to interview. On Thursday, the New England…
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – DECEMBER 15: Aaron Glenn, defensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions is seen during warmups before the game against the Buffalo Bills at Ford Field on December 15, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
Nic Antaya/Getty ImagesThe New England Patriots completed their interview with Mike Vrabel for their head coach opening on Thursday. Meanwhile, Aaron Glenn declined their request to interview.
On Thursday, the New England Patriots head coaching search took a couple of turns. The team completed one interview, while finding out another interview won't be happening.
Thursday afternoon, the team shared on Twitter/X that they'd completed an interview with former Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel. Vrabel, who played linebacker for the Patriots from 2001-2008 and was inducted into the team Hall of Fame last year, is viewed as one of the favorites for the job.
In their post on social media, the Patriots included that the meeting took place in Boston, not Foxborough. The team didn't give any specifics beyond that, but ESPN's Mike Reiss opined that "one possibility on the Boston piece...owner Robert Kraft lives in Chestnut Hill, and perhaps having Mike Vrabel at his home as part of the interview adds more of a personal dynamic to it."
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As the Patriots wrapped up that interview, we found out another interview the team had requested won't happen. That involves Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn.
The Patriots put in a request on Wednesday to speak with Glenn. Glenn is widely viewed as one of the top candidates available in this coaching cycle.
ESPN's Adam Schefter shared Glenn's interview schedule for the coming days, which didn't include the Patriots. NFL Network's Tom Pelissero later reported Glenn declined the interview.
No reason was reported for Glenn declining, but it could be as simple as scheduling. Because of the NFL's rules about coaches on playoff teams interviewing for coaching jobs, Glenn's window to speak to other teams is limited to Thursday to Saturday. The Patriots were the last of the six teams in the coaching cycle to request an interview with Glenn.
Michael Reaves/Getty Images<em><sup>Aaron Glenn will not interview in New England this week. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)</sup></em>
NFL insider Josina Anderson noted that "the Patriots were hoping to interview Lions DC Aaron Glenn on Friday and were still waiting to finalize a time slot as of [Thursday] morning." Glenn is slated to speak with the Saints and Raiders on Friday.
While the Patriots won't speak with Glenn on Friday, they will speak with the Lions other coordinator. Ben Johnson is scheduled to speak with the team Friday morning.
After Johnson, the Patriots will have completed all of their interviews currently reported. In addition to Johnson and Vrabel the team has already spoken with former offensive coordinators Byron Leftwich and Pep Hamilton.
