Mike Vrabel's Interview Process Aims To Get To Know The Person, Not Just The Player

New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel places a strong emphasis on culture as he evaluates prospects at the NFL Scouting Combine. With only 18 minutes allotted per interview, Vrabel focuses less on football schemes and more on understanding each player’s personal story. He believes every prospect has a unique journey, and some require deeper conversations to fully unpack their background, growth, and character.

Vrabel’s team philosophy centers on the “Four H’s”: History, Heroes, Heartbreak, and Hope, a framework he previously implemented with the Tennessee Titans and now brings to New England. He approaches each interview without a scripted list of questions, preferring instead to listen carefully and respond organically. By feeding off a player’s answers, he aims to uncover authenticity, maturity, and self-awareness.

While evaluating football ability remains essential, Vrabel prioritizes cultural fit first. He wants players who are genuine, open about their development, and clear about the support they need to succeed. X’s and O’s can be addressed later; the initial goal is determining whether a prospect aligns with the Patriots’ locker room values. For Vrabel, building a winning team starts with finding good people who can also play winning football.