New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel confirmed on Friday that veteran wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins is currently working with the team in a coaching and personnel capacity. The move comes as the 13-year NFL veteran contemplates his long-term playing future, with the team set to kick off training camp just one day after the announcement.
According to Vrabel, the arrangement began after Hopkins reached out to express interest in spending time around the coaching staff and personnel department. Before extending the invitation, Vrabel performed due diligence to ensure the collaboration complied with league regulations. He confirmed he had consulted with the NFL to verify that the arrangement was permissible. Hopkins has been with the team for the past few days and is expected to remain for the next few days as well.
During his media availability, Vrabel noted that he is using Hopkins as a teaching example for the current roster. He emphasized that the receiver, a 2013 first-round pick, offers unique insights into route-running precision and play style. Vrabel remarked that Hopkins was never the fastest player on the field, yet he found success through exceptional route craft and play strength. He stated that each player must identify their own strengths to succeed, and he is utilizing Hopkins to demonstrate that versatility is essential at the position.
The professional relationship between the two is long-standing. They previously worked together during Vrabel’s time as an assistant coach with the Houston Texans from 2014 to 2017, and they crossed paths again in 2023 during Vrabel's final season as head coach of the Tennessee Titans. Hopkins, who played the 2025 season with the Baltimore Ravens, appeared in all 17 regular-season games with three starts, recording 22 receptions for 330 yards and two touchdowns.
“There's a lot of different skill sets, a lot of different play styles.
