The Bears and Patriots have appointed new head coaches, both anticipated to bring success to their teams. Mike Vrabel steps in as the Patriots’ head coach following Jerrod Mayo’s dismissal after just one season. Meanwhile, the Bears made a divisional move by hiring Ben Johnson, previously the offensive coordinator for the Lions. Johnson led a powerful offense in Detroit, and Chicago hopes he can replicate that success. As of July 9th, the early NFL Coach of the Year odds on DraftKings Sportsbook list Vrabel as the favorite at +600, with Johnson close behind at +700. Other notable contenders include Liam Coen, Aaron Glen, Pete Carroll, Dave Canales, Sean Payton, Jim Harbaugh, and Matt Lafleur.
Vrabel, a former Patriots player and Hall of Famer with three Super Bowl rings, coached the Tennessee Titans from 2018 to 2023, achieving a 54-45 record and making three playoff appearances before back-to-back losing seasons. Johnson, on the other hand, spent three years with the Lions, transforming their offense into a top-ranked unit. Now, he’ll work with the Bears’ new first-round QB pick Caleb Williams, with whom he has already established strong communication. The Bears have struggled recently, finishing last in the NFC North for three seasons with a 15-36 record, including a disappointing 1-10 run after a promising 4-2 start last season.
Fan Take: This coaching shakeup signals exciting changes ahead for two iconic NFL franchises, potentially redefining their futures. For fans, it means fresh strategies, renewed hope, and the possibility of witnessing transformational leadership that could shift the NFL’s competitive landscape.
