Vrabel post-Belichick option for Patriots: OBF

Belichick reminds everyone he's under contract after worst season with Patriots. Multiple questions about his future with the team remain.

Bill Belichick, the beloved and gruff shepherd of the Patriots, made it clear on Monday that "I'm under contract" less than 18 hours after finishing his worst season in New England. This was the first time in his 24 years of coaching the team that Belichick mentioned his contract status from any podium. Those covering his "press conference" remotely may have been taken aback by Belichick's quick response on "Black Monday." Belichick also opened the door to further questions about his contract that have yet to be asked. He made it clear that he is not leaving, but the questions remain about his contract. Kraft, who is still the boss, has followed the lead of John Henry and all but disappeared when it came to addressing the fans or media. Kraft and Belichick share in the Patriots Original Sin in Losing Tom Brady. Neither Belichick nor Kraft has done "what is best for the team" since. Belichick's "pay me or else" demand lost whatever mythical leverage it had on Monday night when Michigan won the College Football Playoff. Even if Belichick found himself on the NFL coaching market, he'd be the second-most coveted candidate after Jim Harbaugh. Since Robert Kraft will be paying Belichick $25 million (or so) next year no matter what, that leaves out Harbaugh. Vrabel is the best option to run it back with an eye toward the future in a post-Belichick universe. He'll come cheap given the money owed to him by the Titans. He will satisfy the fanbase that cannot let go of the first two decades of the 21st century, while providing a clear break from the reign of William I. The Patriots are expected to have close to $80 million in available cap space. Several veteran QBs will be available in free agency. And there's always Jayden Daniels. Belichick on Sunday became the Biggest Loser in NFL history. He tied the record of 165 coaching losses shared with Jeff Fisher and Dan Reeves. There's no shame in that. Cy Young holds the unbreakable MLB record for most wins and losses at 511-315. He got an award named in his honor. Cy Belichick needs just 15 wins to pass Don Shula. Like Young, who was traded by the Red Sox after the 1908 season, Belichick, too, will set those records elsewhere.

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