The New England Patriots were linked to Jedrick Wills Jr. of the Cleveland Browns, who Mike Vrabel coached last season.

The Celtics had two head coaches present at Saturday morning’s practice. One, of course, was Joe Mazzulla. The other: Mazzulla’s new Patriots counterpart, Mike Vrabel.

Boston Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla has shown up at New England Patriots practices in the past. So he extended an open invitation to newly-hired Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel to do the same at the Celtics’ practice on Saturday. Vrabel reportedly accepted and showed up at the practice.

Vrabel, 49, was hired by the Patriots shortly after the end of the season. He takes over for Jerod Mayo, who led New England for one year. Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla, who’s in his third season as the top guy, spoke about what it was like having Vrabel around after inviting him to practice.

The Patriots offense has been bad for three seasons. But improving defensively might be even more important as Mike Vrabel takes the reins.

I think he's gonna do well,” Butler said of Vrabel. “Players love him, he loves players, he played the game. He's got the same philosophy as Bill Belichick, but he's a little bit nicer. He's a good coach.

Former New England Patriots quarterback Drew Bledsoe believes the organization will return to playoff contention within a few years under coach Mike Vrabel.

The newest New England Patriots head coach showed up to support Boston's current dynasty. Mike Vrabel, a former member of the Bill Belichick/Tom Brady-era Patri

Joe Mazzulla said that Mike Vrabel brings a "championship perspective" as he welcomed the Patriots coach to Celtics practice.