Former Tennessee Titans general manager Jon Robinson’s name came up recently when NFL Network reporter Ian Rapoport was talking about the scenarios that could unfold with the New England Patriots this offseason.
It’s no secret that long-time head coach Bill Belichick is on the hot seat, and that could lead to him not being the head coach of the Pats in 2024.
That was one of the scenarios Rapoport laid out in a recent spot on NFL Network, but he also mentioned the possibility of the Pats keeping the legendary coach in tandem with bringing in a general manager, a title Belichick also holds currently.
It was then that Rapoport speculated about the former Titans GM being a potential candidate in that scenario, along with former Las Vegas Raiders general manager Dave Ziegler, both of whom have ties to New England.
From The Insiders on #NFLPlus: Looking at the various options for #Patriots coach Bill Belichick and New England. One scenario involves bringing in a new GM — no, Nick Caserio is not expected to return — but there are several familar faces who potentially could. pic.twitter.com/NH29P3DZo3
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 5, 2024
Robinson was with the Pats from 2002-13 and worked his way up from an area scout to the director of college scouting.
It’s important to note that Rapoport mentions Robinson as someone the Pats could bring in if they keep Belichick. There was no mention of considering Robinson if the Pats part with the Hall of Fame coach.
That’s important because there has been rumors and speculation about Titans head coach Mike Vrabel possibly wanting to leave to go to New England, but he certainly wouldn’t do that if Robinson is the next GM there.
After all, Vrabel and Robinson didn’t see eye-to-eye, especially in their final years together in Tennessee, which were an absolute disaster for Robinson, who made several blunders in the draft and free agency.
The rift between the two was never more apparent than when J-Rob traded A.J. Brown to the Philadelphia Eagles, which led to a clearly frustrated reaction from Vrabel.
It remains to be seen what direction the Pats will go, but if their goal is to get Vrabel, Robinson cannot be part of the equation.
