Sport

Mike Vrabel Weighs In on Bill Belichick's Bumpy College Debut

2025-09-02

Author: Jia

Vrabel Speaks Out About Belichick's Struggles

Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel never shies away from sharing his opinions, especially when it concerns his former mentor, Bill Belichick. Recently, on WEEI's The Greg Hill Show, Vrabel was asked about Belichick's rocky start at North Carolina.

A Tale of Two Coaches

Greg Hill posed an interesting question, highlighting how long it might take to establish a successful college program. Vrabel, however, drew attention to a different narrative. "I don’t know,” he responded. “Urban Meyer won 12 of his first 12 games at Ohio State, so it didn’t take him long. That’s my experience in college football.” This remark speaks volumes, especially given that Vrabel was on the coaching staff during Meyer’s inaugural year with the Buckeyes.

The Tension Between Titans

As Vrabel made his comments, they were undoubtedly colored by the ongoing tension between Belichick and Patriots owner Robert Kraft. The backdrop to this situation is particularly striking, as Belichick has transformed from a revered strategist to a source of distraction for the franchise he once dominated.

Change is Hard, But Not Impossible

Vrabel deserves credit for his candid remarks. Belichick, alongside his colleague Mike Lombardi, introduced 70 new players to the roster this season. Unfortunately, their performance on the field left much to be desired. In the realm of college football, it’s clear: many new coaches start off with better fortunes than Belichick has faced.

As Vrabel’s comments circulate, one thing is evident—Belichick’s challenges in the college sphere starkly contrast with the impressive records of other recent coaching hires. The pressure is on as the seasoned coach looks to reshape his legacy.