Mike Vrabel's Coaching Philosophy and Impact
New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel operates under a guiding principle that has significantly shaped his approach to player management and team building, contributing to the Patriots' recent performance improvements.
"We Treat You The Way You Treat The Team!"
This core philosophy underpins his entire coaching strategy.
Player Support and Accountability
Vrabel demonstrated his philosophy early in the season when running back Rhamondre Stevenson experienced ball-security issues, fumbling twice in a loss to the Steelers. Instead of criticizing Stevenson, Vrabel highlighted collective team errors, such as offensive linemen and receivers failing to sustain blocks, which contributed to the fumbles.
He publicly and privately defended Stevenson, stating:
"Ball security is on all 11 of us."
This approach reinforced the idea that every player contributes to the outcome of a play and that Vrabel supports players who demonstrate dedication to the team. Stevenson later became a key performer, carrying the ball nine times in the fourth quarter of a game that led to the Patriots clinching a Super Bowl trip.
Influences on Coaching Style
Vrabel's coaching style is an integration of his personal and professional experiences. He credits his father, a high school basketball coach, with instilling the importance of being part of a team.
Mentors like Bill Cowher, who offered candid career advice, and various coaches from his playing career at Ohio State, with the Steelers, Patriots, and Chiefs, also influenced his approach. He aims to coach others in a manner consistent with how he preferred to be coached as an NFL player.
Supporting Staff and Building Relationships
Vrabel's commitment to supporting his team extends beyond players to include staff members across various roles:
- John Streicher: As a young student assistant at Ohio State, Streicher was invited to Vrabel's Fourth of July party, an early instance of Vrabel's inclusive nature that continued into his head coaching roles.
- Shane Bowen: While working for the Titans, Vrabel sent Bowen home to be with his mother-in-law, who was battling breast cancer, prioritizing family over work demands.
- Arthur Smith: Vrabel instructed Smith to leave work to be with his wife during the birth of their third child.
- Todd Downing: Following an off-field incident, Vrabel provided mental support to Downing, focusing on his well-being rather than solely reprimanding him. This support led Downing to rejoin Vrabel's staff in New England despite having been fired from the Titans.
- Terrell Williams & Jahlani Tavai: Vrabel supported defensive coordinator Terrell Williams through a prostate cancer diagnosis and linebacker Jahlani Tavai during a severe family tragedy, providing necessary time off and communicating updates to the team with Tavai's permission.
Vrabel also emphasizes respect for all employees, from cleaning staff to cafeteria workers. He encourages players, particularly rookies, to learn the names of support staff and acknowledge their importance, sometimes offering financial incentives to those who can correctly identify staff members.
Innovative Fine System
Under Vrabel, the Patriots implemented a "treatment bank" system instead of traditional monetary fines deducted from paychecks. Minor penalties incurred by players, such as being late to meetings, result in cash contributions that are then distributed as bonuses to support staff like lunch ladies, equipment managers, and intern trainers.
Vrabel himself contributes financially, for instance, by funding spring break trips for staff members or buying Patriots gear for their families.
Program Evolution and Success
The rapid success of the Patriots, achieving a Super Bowl appearance sooner than anticipated, is attributed to factors including strong quarterback play, consistent team improvement, and effective defense in the playoffs.
Vrabel's experience, including lessons learned from his firing in Tennessee and his time with Kevin Stefanski in Cleveland and Sean McVay in Los Angeles, contributed to refining his program. These refinements include adopting principles like McVay's:
"A player can never meet the enemy on the sideline"
He also integrated the concept of "decision fatigue" into management, which influenced the change in the fine system.
The program's success is also linked to intentional player acquisition, bringing in individuals connected to the coaching staff who could quickly become advocates for the team culture. Vrabel's overarching philosophy ensures that everyone, from top players to support staff, is motivated to perform their best for the collective good of the team. This approach fosters loyalty and commitment, serving as a foundation for the team's significant turnaround.