CLEVELAND, Ohio — The Browns let Mike Vrabel out of his consulting agreement early on Monday so he could get a jump on the 2025 head coaching cycle, and five days later, he’s interviewing for the Jets’ vacancy today.

The Browns officially announced the promotion of tight ends coach Tommy Rees to offensive coordinator on Wednesday, with Kevin Stefanski noting that his high football acumen sealed the deal. “Tommy has an incredible football mind,

Cleveland Browns guard Wyatt Teller (77) chats with senior consultant Mike Vrabel on the sideline during the first half of an NFL preseason football game at Cleveland Browns Stadium, Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024, in Cleveland, Ohio.

Now, with O’Brien revitalizing BC and Vrabel looking to do the same with the Patriots, the area’s most prominent football teams are led by men who bonded in Foxborough.

Our look at some of the likely candidates to become the Patriots' next offensive and defensive coordinators includes familiar faces.

BEREA, Ohio — Browns coach Kevin Stefanski will begin the search for his third offensive coordinator in three years right away, and he’ll cast a wide net. The new coordinator will replace Ken Dorsey, who was fired Sunday after one year on the job and the Browns finishing last in points per game and first in giveaways.

Vrabel was the favorite from the start of the Patriots’ search, given his relationship with owner Robert Kraft, his experience, and his coaching style. The Patriots also considered Byron Leftwich, Pep Hamilton, and Ben Johnson, but ultimately landed on the clear front-runner.

On the Patriots Talk Podcast, Tom E. Curran and Phil Perry discuss who could join Mike Vrabel's coaching staff as an offensive coordinator.