Robert Kraft kept his promise that the New England Patriots would swiftly find a new head coach.

The Patriots confirmed on Sunday that they have come to terms with Mike Vrabel, former coach of the Tennessee Titans. New England has become the first NFL team this offseason to secure a new coach, just a week after letting Jerod Mayo go following a single season.

Vrabel, aged 49, had an interview with the Patriots on Thursday. Aside from him, New England also spoke with Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and had discussions with ex-Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich and ex-Houston Texans offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton, thus fulfilling the Rooney Rule, which mandates interviewing at least two external minority candidates for any head coaching position.

Considered a highly sought-after candidate on the market, Vrabel also interviewed with the New York Jets and Chicago Bears. He has a coaching record of 54 wins and 45 losses and successfully led the Titans to three straight playoff appearances from 2019 to 2021, including a trip to the AFC Championship Game in his debut postseason. Following his dismissal last January and without securing a head-coaching position elsewhere, Vrabel acted as a coaching and personal consultant for the Cleveland Browns during the past season.

Vrabel shares a long-standing connection with Kraft, stemming from his eight seasons as a linebacker and goal-line tight end for the Patriots. He was an essential part of three Super Bowl-winning teams under Coach Bill Belichick and was later inducted into the Patriots’ 50th Anniversary Team. During his induction into the franchise’s Hall of Fame in October 2023, Vrabel expressed his admiration for the organization.

“I want you to appreciate this organization,” Vrabel remarked. “I’ve been to many places, and this is a unique environment with exceptional leadership, amazing fans, and strong coaching. Treasure it. It’s not like this everywhere.”

Jerod Mayo, who was appointed as Bill Belichick’s successor before the iconic coach concluded his remarkable 24-year tenure, was let go after the team finished a struggling 4-13 season. Kraft accepted responsibility for placing Mayo in what he termed a “difficult situation” and expressed his view that the team underperformed in the latter half of the season.

“Ultimately, I’m a fan of this team first, and it is now my priority to find a coach who can guide us back to the playoffs and potentially to championships,” Kraft stated, emphasizing his desire to act swiftly in finding a new head coach.

With Vrabel now on board, the spotlight will be on New England to revamp a roster that still largely consists of Belichick’s players. The team is expected to have over $123 million in salary cap space—the highest in the league according to Over The Cap—and holds the No. 4 pick in the upcoming NFL draft. Strengthening the offensive line and receiver corps will likely be crucial for supporting quarterback Drake Maye, selected as the No. 3 pick in last year’s draft.