From Tennessee to the NFL: Doug Marrone Joins Mike Vrabel’s Patriots Coaching Staff
Doug Marrone, a former assistant coach for the Tennessee Vols, is reportedly joining the New England Patriots’ coaching staff, according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz. Marrone’s addition comes under the leadership of Mike Vrabel, the Patriots’ new head coach.
Marrone, who was a key member of the Tennessee Vols coaching staff in 2001, served as both the tight ends coach and offensive tackles coach during Phillip Fulmer’s tenure. After that season, Marrone moved on to the New York Jets, prompting Fulmer to praise his work. “Doug Marrone is a very fine coach, and now we’ll hire another fine coach to replace him,” Fulmer said at the time. He acknowledged Marrone’s professionalism and commitment, stating, “He handled things the right way, and so did the Jets.”
Throughout his career, Marrone has built a strong reputation across both college football and the NFL. Before his time at Tennessee, Marrone gained valuable experience coaching at Georgia and Alabama.
ater, he went on to serve as the head coach at Syracuse from 2009 to 2012, before taking over as head coach of the Buffalo Bills in 2013, where he stayed for two seasons. In 2017, Marrone was named the head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars, where he remained until the end of the 2020 season.
While younger Tennessee fans may not be as familiar with Marrone, many likely recall his name from 2021, when he was briefly mentioned as a potential head coaching candidate for the Vols before Josh Heupel was hired.
Marrone will now join a coaching staff in New England that boasts considerable talent, including long-time offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, who is also a former NFL head coach. Vrabel, who steps into the Patriots’ head coaching role following the departure of Jerod Mayo, is entering his first season at the helm.
This move adds another seasoned coach to the Patriots’ roster as Vrabel continues to shape his staff and build a strong foundation for the team’s future. Marrone’s extensive experience in both college and professional football will undoubtedly bring valuable insight and leadership to New England as the team works to build a championship contender under Vrabel’s guidance.
