Expected as it was, Mike Vrabel’s hire as the Patriots’ newest head coach sent waves across the league Sunday.

Most league sources offered rave reviews of Vrabel’s leadership and fit in New England, where the team is facing another overhaul. Vrabel, 49, not only brings familiarity, but experience and toughness after a lost season under recently fired rookie coach Jerod Mayo.

After a 14-year playing career, Vrabel entered the coaching ranks as a defensive assistant at Ohio State in 2011, then coached linebackers for the Texans from 2014-16, got promoted to defensive coordinator in 2017 and became the Titans’ head coach in 2018.

Over six seasons in Tennessee, Vrabel posted a winning head-coaching record and made a habit of winning as an underdog. The Titans also reached an AFC Championship Game, and Vrabel was once named Coach of the Year. Once he was fired last January, Vrabel took a hybrid job with the Browns, who tasked him with scouting draft prospects in the spring and later coaching their tight ends and offensive line.

From league sources who know Vrabel at a distance and also worked with him as recently as last month, here’s how the NFL reacted to his hiring:

‘Brilliant mind’

“One of the most brilliant minds I’ve had the pleasure of working with. He’s an extremely hard worker but incredibly efficient. His passion for the game is evident in everything he does. However, he has strong beliefs that can hinder progress if everyone isn’t aligned. Despite that, it was great to see him up close and personal, given the things that have been said about him over the years.” — League source who worked with Vrabel in Cleveland

‘Clear vision’

“Great hire! Great leader with a high football IQ. (He) has a clear vision for how he wants his football team to look and play. Should attract a lot of good coaches to his staff. A lot of people have a belief in him and they have a young quarterback that can play.” — Front-office executive

‘Big changes’

“Excited. Unselfishly, I think it’s a great move for the franchise. Could mean big changes for a lot of people I like working with though, which would be tough.” — Patriots source

‘Players all love him’

“Loved him. He is a very intense guy that will get the best out of his players. He coaches hard, but at the end of the day, the players all love him.” — League source who worked with Vrabel in Tennessee

‘Instant credibility’

“Great leader, will bring instant credibility with the players. They will be a tough and physical team that is well-coached and prepared. Will be brutally honest with everyone in the building, that will rub some the wrong way but it is likely needed there.” — League source

‘Right man for the job’