By John Sapochetti
NEFJ Contributor

One of the most used phrases in football is, “It’s not about the X’s and O’s, but the Ja’Marr’s and the Joes.”

Sorry for the editorial license, I couldn’t resist.

While being poetic and partially true, coaching does have a massive impact in the fortunes of a football team.

To prove that point, look to the sidelines on Sunday at 3:00 when the 15-3 New England Patriots host the 13-5 Houston Texans in an AFC Divisional Round encounter.

If you don’t think Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel and Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans have had a major influence in the success of their teams, you clearly haven’t been watching.

Vrabel took over a team that had gone 4-13 in consecutive seasons and now has his team two wins away from playing in the organization’s 12th Super Bowl.

Ryans, in his third season with Houston, took over a team that won 7 games combined in the previous two years before he was hired. His record with the Texans is 35-19.

The unquestioned leaders of these two teams have quite a bit in common.

Both were star linebackers in college. Vrabel at Ohio State, Ryans at Alabama.

They both played professionally for the teams they currently coach.

After their playing days ended, they went into coaching as linebacker coaches, and eventually defensive coordinators. Vrabel, with the Texans in 2017. Ryans with San Francisco in 2021 and 2022.

Both Vrabel and Ryans look as if they could still play. They are both known to be hands on in their coaching styles. Both are commanding presences. When you look to the Patriots and Texans sidelines, there’s no question as to who is the commander.

It’s very easy to surmise that their players love and respect their bosses. You get the feeling that the players would run through a brick wall to please Vrabel and Ryans.

I can’t guarantee who will win this contest, but I’ll guarantee you that the Patriots and Texans will be mentally and physically prepared to play on Sunday at 3:00.