Mike Vrabel Welcoming Analytics To Patriots — On His Terms

Mike Vrabel is building out the Patriots’ analytics department — but he’s not handing over control.

Since taking over as head coach, Vrabel has added multiple staffers behind the scenes, including director of football strategy Marshall Oium, director of research Richard Miller, and most recently, director of coaching analytics Ekene Olekanma.

More hires are expected soon, Vrabel said.

“I think just having somebody that’s dedicated, that’s been in that role, that can manage the people that we have here,” Vrabel told reporters Tuesday, per Alex Barth of 98.5 The Sports Hub. “He (Olekanma) did a fantastic job in his interview process.”

Vrabel noted that Olekanma’s background as a former player helps him apply complex data in ways coaches can actually use.

“However we can make our jobs more efficient and better is something that I’m excited about,” he said.

Still, Vrabel emphasized that numbers won’t override football instincts.

“We want to use technology… to help us make better decisions,” he said. “I don’t think you can rely and base every decision off the numbers.”

On game days, it’ll still be Vrabel and longtime strategy partner John Streicher making the calls, with Olekanma contributing in the lead-up to kickoff — especially when it comes to game planning, opponent analysis, and conditions.

Analytics will have a voice in New England. But Vrabel made it clear who is in charge of the final say.