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

Mike Vrabel's consultant deal with the Browns expired on Monday, per an ESPN report. That frees him up to do interviews for NFL jobs unimpeded.

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.

The Detroit Lions lost offensive coordinator Ben Johnson to the Chicago Bears this week, and are bracing to lose defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn to a head coaching gig as well.

A coaching journey he needed to take, and the former star linebacker uniquely suited to put a faltering franchise back on track.

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.

The Detroit Lions might be soon losing an assistant coach to the New England Patriots. Patriots coach Mike Vrabel is filling out his staff.