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

After a season of shoving Browns tight ends around, racing Jameis Winston in training camp and putting swim moves on Dawand Jones in his new role at left tackle, Mike Vrabel has flown the Browns coop as a consultant to become head coach of the New England Patriots.

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.