Stephen A. Smith makes his feelings known on Patriots HC Mike Vrabel amid Coach of the Year buzz

Stephen A. Smith placed Mike Vrabel at the forefront of the NFL Coach of the Year discussion. He credited the New England Patriots’ turnaround from a four-win season to an 8-2 record through 10 games.

The ESPN analyst shared his assessment on Wednesday, evaluating several coaches before identifying Vrabel as his pick for the award.

"I'm thinking about Coach of the Year and I'm thinking about (Mike) McDonald in Seattle and a phenomenal job that he's done," Smith said, via "First Take." "(Sean) McVay in LA, the phenomenal job that he has done. Of course, (Shane) Steichen in Indianapolis and he's done a hell of a job or whatever, but Vrabel, to me is at the top of the list."

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"I think right now you can make a strong, legitimate argument that [Mike Vrabel] is the Coach of the Year." 👀 @stephenasmith on the Patriots head coach

Shane Steichen’s Colts (8-2) continue to lead the AFC East after their Week 10 win in Germany. Mike Macdonald has guided the Seahawks (7-2) to the top of the NFC West following a four-game win streak.

Vrabel’s arrival revived a franchise that struggled in its final years under Bill Belichick and posted a 4-13 record with Jerod Mayo in 2024.

Stephen A. Smith highlights Patriots’ roster continuity under Mike Vrabel

NFL: New England Patriots at Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Source: Imagn

Stephen A. Smith noted that Mike Vrabel achieved the turnaround without a significant overhaul, working largely with the same personnel as last year’s roster.

The Patriots’ lone major addition was Stefon Diggs, who has amassed 50 receptions for 554 yards and three touchdowns through 10 games.

"It's one thing to come into a situation, but it's another thing to see what had happened to the New England Patriots in the waning years of Bill Belichick and then the one year deal with Jerod Mayo," Smith said on Wednesday, via "First Take."

"Vrabel to arrive on the scene just now, we are pretty much the same person. I know Stefon Diggs wasn't there last year, but we're pretty much the same personnel that you had last year and to do the job that he has done. I think right now you can make a strong, legitimate argument that he's the coach of the year."

Former NFL tight end Greg Olsen echoed Smith’s take during his Wednesday broadcast, labeling Vrabel “the frontrunner by a large margin."

New England will host the New York Jets on Thursday, riding a seven-game winning streak since starting 1-2. Drake Maye ranks among the top three MVP candidates.