Cross Mike Vrabel off the Bears’ list.
Vrabel, who interviewed with the Bears for their vacant head coaching job on Wednesday, was named the Patriots’ new head coach Sunday morning.
Vrabel was the overwhelming favorite to get the job the minute the Patriots decided to fire Jerod Mayo after just one season. He played for the Patriots from 2001-08 and was recently inducted into the Patriots Hall of Fame. He had a small connection to the Bears, having played for the Chiefs while Bears general manager Ryan Poles was working there.
The Titans’ head coach from 2018-23, Vrabel worked as a consultant for the Browns this season. He was also considered an attractive candidate in Las Vegas, where former teammate Tom Brady serves as a part-owner of the Raiders.
The Bears have been conducting an extensive head coaching search, with at least 17 names linked to the job.
The Patriots chose Vrabel over, among others, Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. He interviewed virtually with them Friday. Vrabel interviewed in-person Thursday, one day after he spoke with the Bears’ search committee.