Update, 10:30 a.m., Jan. 12, 2025: Patriots hire Mike Vrabel as head coach
The Patriots have entered contract negotiations with their lead head coaching candidate Mike Vrabel, according to a league source.
Although a deal has yet to be finalized, Vrabel remains the favorite for New England’s head coaching opening after interviewing Thursday. The Patriots also interviewed Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson on Friday, in addition to Byron Leftwich and Pep Hamilton on Tuesday. Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn denied their initial request for an interview.
Vrabel, who has also interviewed with the Jets and Bears, is one of, if not the most popular candidate this cycle, so the Patriots could have to outbid another organization.
If Vrabel and the Patriots are unable to come to an agreement, then New England’s search would require much more time given the limited scope of their process so far and the league’s rules surrounding interviewing employees of teams in the playoffs.
Nicole Yang can be reached at nicole.yang@globe.com.Follow her @nicolecyang.