Pees, formerly with the Ravens, spent six seasons (2004-09) coaching for the Patriots. He originally joined the Patriots as linebackers coach, and his final four years he served as the defensive coordinator. In three of his four years (2007,'08,'09) as the defensive coordinator, the Patriots ranked in the top 11 in total defense. Over the four-year period, New England ranked second in the NFL in points allowed (17.3/game).

Vrabel and Bruschi were teammates from 2001-08.

"Mike is going to make smart decisions on who he hires and he just got Dean Pees out of retirement," Bruschi said. "And they both are very smart people -- they get along very well based on linebacker-coach relationship. Mike and Pees always got along well (in New England).

"And Pees in Baltimore, just like Vrabes said, he wants front multiplicity, and coverage consistency – I saw the press conference, too. They'll work great together."

Bruschi said he plans to keep up closely with Vrabel.

He said he'll be pulling for him.

"I will be watching every game, probably every press conference," Bruschi said of Vrabel. "The big question, of course, is: Can Mike take all of it, knowing the player he was, the person he is, and become a good head coach? I can't give you an answer. I can tell you how much I love him. I can tell you how great a friend he is to me. But being a head coach has a lot of responsibility. Now don't get me wrong – I believe he can handle the responsibility. But I can't give any guarantee.