Adam Schefter reveals the Patriots’ new dynamic between Mike Vrabel and Elliott Wolff

Mike Vrabel enters as the new coach of the New England Patriots and looks set to have a significant impact on front office operations. ESPN NFL Insider Pat McAfee on the show Adam Schefter shared insights on Vrabel’s return to the organization, revealing that Elliott Wolff, executive vice president of player personnel, will report directly to him.

“Elliot Wolff––I don’t think he even has the title of GM, but he stays in his job, whatever it is. And he will bring in Ryan Cowden from the Giants, who worked with Vrabel in Tennessee. “He’s going to come in and assist under Elliott,” Adam Schefter said.

“He sticks to his job, whatever it is … Sparrow is the man,” the NFL continued insider in his interview.

The past three years have been challenging for the New England Patriots, who haven’t made the playoffs since 2021. They finished 4-13 this season and decided to continue with Jerod Maio after just one year as head coach.

Mike Vrabel becomes the head coach of the New England Patriots

The Patriots hired Mike Vrabel as the 16th head coach in franchise history, sparking renewed enthusiasm among their fans. A standout during his playing days in New England, Vrabel now faces the challenge of leading the team through a rebuilding phase.

With Elliott Wolff reporting to Vrabel, the Patriots appear to be following a structure reminiscent of Bill Belichick’s tenure. From 2000 to 2023, Belichick held the dual roles of head coach and de facto general manager, having full control over player decisions and finalizing the roster.

While his coaching legacy remains unparalleled, his talent evaluation skills were less effective, especially in his later years, leaving a lasting impact on the team’s current struggles.

Giving similar powers to Vrabel carries a significant risk. He also brought in Ryan Cowden as Wolf’s second-in-command, though both would ultimately report to Vrabel, centralizing decision-making under his leadership.

A collaboration between Mike Vrabel and Elliott Wolff

Robert Kraft was determined to bring the 49-year-old to New England, and the promise of significant authority and control over operations likely played a key role in sealing the deal.

During the introductory press conference, Vrabel shared his vision for the collaboration with Wolf and how their working relationship will shape up.

“I think the most important thing is that there is a shared organizational vision of what we want to do and how we want to do it and how we want to acquire players.” There are numerous ways to acquire players through free agency, trade, the draft, the post-draft process, post-training camp,” said the new Patriots head coach. “Again, I’m just excited to sit down with Elliott and his staff … I’ve talked to him, but I’ve got to sit down with his staff and figure out where we’re at, what we need to do.

Time will tell how this new dynamic plays out, but from an outside perspective, Wolff’s influence within the organization appears to be diminished. With $125 million in cap space, according to Spotrak, and nine picks in the 2025 NFL Draft, New England has significant resources at its disposal. Vrabel’s significant involvement in these decisions will be a key factor, and the results remain to be seen.