Maye 'excited' to learn from new Patriots coaches Vrabel, McDaniels
New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye is eager to start working with new head coach Mike Vrabel and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels on the follow-up to his rookie campaign.
"Obviously, a guy who's done it, played in the league and won a Super Bowl," Maye said Friday about Vrabel, according to MassLive's Chris Mason. "You have a respect of what he's done and seen what he's done. I think the biggest thing is he's been a head coach, and he knows what it's like. (I'm) so excited to get up to New England and get things going."
The Patriots hired their second coach in as many years since Bill Belichick was dismissed in 2023 after 24 seasons. Jerod Mayo was promoted to replace the legendary coach but was fired after going 4-13 last season.
Vrabel highlighted Maye as one of the reasons why he took the job with the Patriots.
"I think he's young, talented, willing to learn. I think there's a toughness to him. There's an amazing skill set in which to mold and to have him lead our football team and lead our offense," Vrabel told ESPN after he was hired in January.
Maye is also eager to work with McDaniels, who returns to New England for his third stint with the organization.
"Coach McDaniels, obviously what he's done (with the Patriots) and the success he's had ...," Maye said, according to MassLive's Mark Daniels. "I'm fortunate to be able to have a guy come in who has done it at a high level and learn from him coaching one of the best ever - the best ever, in my opinion - Tom (Brady)."
Maye is viewed as the face of the franchise after being selected third overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. The North Carolina product began his rookie season on bench behind Jacoby Brissett but was elevated to the starting role after New England posted a 1-4 record. The Patriots went 3-9 with Maye as their starter, and the rookie QB passed for 2,276 yards, 15 touchdowns, 10 interceptions, and a 66% completion rate. He also rushed for 421 yards and two scores.
The Patriots, who own the No. 4 overall pick in the NFL draft, could choose to build around their promising signal-caller.
Maye, 22, said he's focusing on improving during "situational football" and as a leader ahead of next season, per Mason. The Patriots finished with a 3-6 mark in one-score games in 2024.