A fresh voice is being brought to the Patriots front office by Mike Vrabelis.
A source claims that it is anticipated that Ryan Cowden will play some role in New England’s front office. Cowden, 46, is a veteran executive who has served as general manager Joe Schoen’s senior advisor for the Giants for the past two seasons. Although Cowden’s precise role in Foxborough is unknown, Yahoo’s Charles Robinson claims that Eliot Wolf, executive vice president of player personnel, will continue to oversee personnel.
Vrabel’s relationship with Cowden dates back to their time together in Tennessee, when he served as the Titans’ interim general manager in 2022, vice president of player personnel in 2018, and director of player personnel from 2016 to 2017.The Athletic reports that owner Amy Adams Strunk selected Ran Carthon to succeed Vrabel as general manager of the Titans in 2023.
Following the sacking of Jerod Mayo, Patriots owner Robert Kraft told reporters that the new coach would have a big role in hiring decisions.
It goes without saying that (the new coach) will have a significant influence on the coaches and players. Kraft stated last week that it would be up to him to decide. We’re going to let him make those choices, and we’re moving quickly.
It is anticipated that Cowden will operate under the Patriots’ current front office structure. Last offseason, Wolf was appointed executive vice president of player personnel for the team. He oversaw a team that includes senior personnel executive Alonzo Highsmith, director of player personnel Matt Groh, and director of pro personnel Pat Stewart.
Highsmith and Wolf helped the Patriots’ ownership find a new head coach.
In 2000, Cowden began his NFL career as a scouting assistant in Carolina. He rose through the ranks of the Panthers as an area scout (2001–2007), national scout (2008–2012), national scout/senior college scout (2012–2014), and assistant director of college scouting (2014–2015).
On Sunday morning, the Patriots announced that Vrabel would be their 16th head coach. On Monday afternoon, a press conference will be held at Gillette Stadium to introduce him.