Mike Vrabel was the top head coaching candidate in the 2025 cycle and for good reason. After a 14-year NFL career that saw him win three Super Bowls, make a Pro Bowl and be selected to an All-Pro team,

The New England Patriots formalized the hiring of John Streicher, who NFL insider Albert Breer described as Mike Vrabel's "right-hand man." Streicher spent six seasons with the Tennessee Titans under Vrabel in a multitude of roles,

Vrabel hired McMillan in 2021 as a defensive assistant where he primarily worked with Titans outside linebackers. In 2022, he worked as a defensive line assistant coach alongside Williams, who was named the Patriots defensive coordinator. McMillan continued to work with Titans defensive lineman in 2023.