- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Patriots 'Disappointed, Not Discouraged' After Super Bowl Loss
Head coach Mike Vrabel reflects on the team's magical turnaround season and looks ahead to the future.
Published on Feb. 9, 2026
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
The New England Patriots' remarkable turnaround season came to an end with a 29-13 loss to the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LX. Despite the disappointment, head coach Mike Vrabel praised his team's effort and resilience throughout the year, emphasizing that the Patriots must use this loss as motivation to get back to the big game.
Why it matters
The Patriots' Super Bowl appearance marked a dramatic improvement from their previous two seasons, which saw the team win just four games each year. Vrabel's ability to lead the team to the championship game in his first season as head coach has generated significant optimism about the team's long-term future, especially with young quarterback Drake Maye at the helm.
The details
After the game, Vrabel told his team that he was "proud of everything they did" and that they should be "disappointed, just like" he is, but not discouraged. The head coach emphasized the importance of maintaining the team's identity and culture, even in the face of a tough loss. Vrabel noted that the team's ability to handle adversity would be crucial going forward, as "part of our identity is not being a front runner."
- The Patriots lost to the 49ers in Super Bowl LX on Sunday night.
The players
Mike Vrabel
The head coach of the New England Patriots, who led the team to a remarkable turnaround in his first season at the helm.
Drake Maye
The 23-year-old quarterback of the New England Patriots, who made his Super Bowl debut in the loss to the 49ers.
What they’re saying
“I'm proud of everything they did. I'm disappointed, just like they are. I reminded them that we're 307 days in to what hopefully is a long and successful relationship and program. It's okay to be disappointed. We have to be disappointed and upset together. I tell them what I always do: I tell them I'm appreciative, I'm thankful, I'm grateful I get to coach them.”
— Mike Vrabel, Head Coach, New England Patriots (yahoo.com)
“He's coach of the year for a reason. He's somebody that we all love playing for — no other coach we'd rather play for. He's a constant reminder of why we believe, why we show up to work, and have an identity.”
— Drake Maye, Quarterback, New England Patriots (yahoo.com)
What’s next
The Patriots will look to build on their successful season and return to the Super Bowl in the coming years, with Vrabel and Maye leading the way.
The takeaway
Despite the disappointment of the Super Bowl loss, the Patriots' remarkable turnaround under Vrabel's leadership has generated significant optimism about the team's future. The head coach's ability to instill a winning culture and mentality in the team, even in the face of adversity, suggests that the Patriots will be a force to be reckoned with in the years to come.
