On Thursday evening, the NFL hosted its annual Honors show in San Francisco, California, home of Super Bowl 60. The New England Patriots will be taking on the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday in a rematch of Super Bowl 49. NFL Honors has become a popular event during the week leading up to the big game on Sunday. Although both Super Bowl teams’ staff and players are not allowed to attend the event in person, they are still eligible to win awards, and the Patriots did just that.
Mike Vrabel Wins Coach of the Year
In his first season in New England, former Patriot and current head coach Mike Vrabel accomplished many impressive things for this new era. Vrabel built an outstanding culture and program that led the 2025 team to a 14–3 record and an AFC East title for the first time since 2019. Vrabel has been great for New England by bringing in key free agents such as cornerback Carlton Davis and wide receivers Mack Hollins and Stefon Diggs. Another important signing was defensive tackle Milton Williams, who won Super Bowl 59 with the Philadelphia Eagles a year ago.
As announced on Thursday, Vrabel won Coach of the Year for the second time in his career, dating back to his tenure with the Tennessee Titans. On Sunday, he will look to become the first coach ever to win a Super Bowl as both a player and a coach with the same franchise.
Josh McDaniels Wins Assistant Head Coach of the Year
What a season it was for offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels in his return to New England since 2021. McDaniels led the Patriots offense to 28.8 points per game, which ranked second in the NFL. New England also averaged 379.4 total yards of offense, which ranked third in the league.
Most importantly, Patriots second year quarterback Drake Maye took a significant leap from Year 1 to Year 2. In Maye’s first NFL season, his offensive coordinator was Alex Van Pelt, with Jerod Mayo at the helm. Maye did not see the field right away but made the most of his opportunities as a rookie.
Looking ahead, Maye emerged as an MVP candidate in Year 2 and finished second in voting behind Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford. McDaniels had tremendous success working with former Patriots quarterback Tom Brady for many seasons, and Maye proved to be no different. He threw for 4,394 yards, 31 touchdowns, and eight interceptions, while posting a QBR of 77.1. Maye also added 450 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns.
Much credit should go to the Vrabel and McDaniels pairing in Year 1, with plenty to look forward to heading into next season as well.
My name is Kenneth Matias and I am an aspiring sports journalist that has great sports knowledge and follow the New England Patriots and the NFL landscape very closely.
