New England Patriots tight end Austin Hooper can pass on knowledge to his teammates about what to expect from new coach Mike Vrabel.
The 30-year-old Hooper, entering Year 10, said his first go-round with Vrabel in Tennessee in 2022 opened his eyes to the type of ship Vrabel runs.
"It was different the first time. I'm not speaking outside the family here -- a very strong personality, a guy who's played before, a guy who taught me a lot, and at first, it was a tougher transition," Hooper said, via Boston.com. "It was my first time being around a head coach in that style.
"By the way, please don't take that the wrong way. You should like your boss to demand a lot of you. So, it was the first time being with a defensive-style head coach. So there was a little transition."
Hooper, who'd previously played under Kevin Stefanski for two years in Cleveland before landing in Tennessee and entered the league with Dan Quinn in Atlanta, said Vrabel's energy is simply different than many other coaches.
The Patriots' new coach has proven his approach works. In six years in Tennessee, he compiled a 54-45 record -- despite not having a stocked roster at times. The Titans made three playoff appearances and went to the AFC Championship Game in 2019.
"Like any good boss, he's going to clearly define what his employees need to do," Hooper said of Vrabel. "If you want to come along this journey, this is what's expected. It's something I carry with me."
After firing former Bill Belichick assistant Jerod Mayo after one year, the Patriots have overhauled the roster this offseason with potentially a dozen or so new starters. The recent release of long snapper Joe Cardona, along with the previous parting with center David Andrews and defensive end Deatrich Wise, and cornerback Jonathan Jones leaving in free agency, means the longest-tenured Patriots were acquired in 2020.
