The Patriots had the opportunity to bring the most popular girl in school to the junior prom, and they didn’t take it. They stuck with the plan they made as freshmen despite the fact it was obvious to all their classmates that things changed.

Now, one year later, they have the chance to make up for their oversight and end senior year on a high note. They’re lucky to be in the position again, no doubt. The most popular girl in school doesn’t typically give second chances to anyone, never mind someone like the 2024 Patriots. Bypassing the opportunity again would not only be settling but inexcusable.

That’s the position the Patriots find themselves in with Mike Vrabel, arguably the top head coaching candidate in 2025. Vrabel is out of New England’s league entering the offseason. The Patriots would not be anywhere close to the most attractive landing spot if they were to move on from head coach Jerod Mayo.

Vrabel, though, reportedly is interested in the Patriots.

“Mike Vrabel would be interested in coaching for the New England Patriots,” Patriots insider Tom E. Curran said on NBC Sports Boston on Tuesday, as transcribed by NBC Sports Boston. “I think that he (Vrabel) looks at the Patriots, and despite the warts, says, I’ll go back there.”

Vrabel, a senior consultant for the Cleveland Browns, is likely to hear from every team with a coaching vacancy. If you want to argue Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson is a better candidate, feel free. But Vrabel, who unlike Johnson actually has experience at the helm of an organization, nevertheless is atop the group.

Let’s make one thing clear, too: This would not be firing Mayo just for the sake of doing so. This would not be the same as moving on from one first-year head coach in hopes the next one doesn’t struggle as much. That would be another dice roll, and arguably not the smartest long-term move.