On Thursday, the Patriots took two big awards home. Mike Vrabel won the Head Coach of the Year, and Josh McDaniels won as the best assistant coach.

Among many who cheered for them is former franchise quarterback Tom Brady, who congratulated the winners on his Instagram story. 

“Congratulations Mike! A great teammate, coach and friend! Hard earned and well deserved! Love you!!! LFGGGGG!!!” wrote Brady.

Vrabel has won the award twice now, but this one is his first with the Patriots, and that too in his first season. The 50-year-old is hailed for pulling off one of the biggest turnovers in recent history with his new team. 

When Vrabel was brought in as the new coach, the Patriots were at their lowest. They had won only four times per season in the last two years. But in 2025, the Patriots reached the Super Bowl with a 13-4 regular season record. 

Vrabel has coached the Patriots in their 12th Super Bowl drive with 23-year-old Drake Maye leading the charge. He showed massive growth and elevated the offense, which McDaniels is credited with. 

And so, Brady followed up with a similar post for McDaniels, too.

“Incredible accomplishment Josh! My brother! Nobody works harder or is more committed than you! I'm so proud of you love you so much!!” he said to the assistant coach.

McDaniels returned to the Patriots as their offensive coordinator after briefly working with the Las Vegas Raiders.

Because of him, the Patriots ranked third in total yards per game with 379.4 yards and second in scoring with 28.8 points per game.

Maye had a completion rate of 72 percent and threw 31 touchdowns for 4,394 yards. This was his second year in the pro league, and Maye was nominated for the MVP award. 

He lost to Matthew Staafford by a very close margin of 5 points only. While many fans are celebrating these massive wins, a much-needed boost before the Super Bowl, others are critical of Brady.

Some Believe That Brady Sent Out These Wishes as Damage Control

Fans put Brady on blast after he commented, “I don’t have a dog in this fight,” when asked which team he was rooting for. He recently stated that he’s happy to witness the Patriots’ new chapter, but “may the best team win.”

Meanwhile, franchise owner Robert Kraft and former head coach Bill Belichick were excluded from the Hall of Fame. 

And many believe it is because of the “Spygate” scandal, followed up by the “Deflategate” one, with Brady at the center of it. A former player, Shaun King, even alluded that Brady is attempting to clean up, as he himself will be eligible in two years.

Nonetheless, the Patriots are just hours away from playing for the Lombardi Trophy after seven years. What do you think will be the outcome? Tell us below.

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Written by

Akanksha Biradar

Edited by

Joyita Das