The New England Patriots moved on from legendary head coach Bill Belichick. They hired internally and went with Jerod Mayo. His first season has been rough, to say the least. The Patriots are 3-10 in the season and in last place in the AFC East. Part of the issue is roster talent. Their skill positions on offense are nothing to write home about, and the defense got rid of some key pieces this offseason.
There is no question this is a rebuilding year. However, New England has been in many games thanks to rookie quarterback Drake Maye. Many fans believe they could have more wins if the coaching was better. A recent report revealed the team is not thinking about a change.
New England Patriots Jerod Mayo Will Get Another Chance
Earlier this week, reports came out that Jerod Mayo was coaching for his job. How the team performed over the next four games would determine whether he would keep his job. The Athletic’s Diana Russini is refuting that report. According to her report, New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft has “privately assured” the head coach that he will keep his job. The former player will get “the time and resources he needs to grow into the role.” Most coaches get more than one year, but the emergence of Maye has caused many to wonder if they need to maximize his rookie years.
This will be a huge point of discussion in the offseason. This roster is deeply flawed, and even a good head coach might have struggled. However, Jerod Mayo hasn’t done himself any favors this season. Some of his postgame quotes have been head-scratching. He’s accused the team of having a poor culture and being soft. In the NFL, the culture is set by the head coach. After another game, Mayo criticized the team’s presnap penalties, saying they were out of his control. These aren’t the quotes fans want to hear. However, the New England Patriots seem committed to him.
Better Roster In 2025
The good news for the New England Patriots is Drake Maye looks like the future of the franchise. Taking a quarterback in the top five is no sure thing. Maye looks like the real deal. He has passed for 1,696 passing yards, 11 touchdowns, and eight interceptions. The former North Carolina quarterback has also used his legs effectively, rushing for 345 yards and another score. He needs more help. The offensive line will be the greatest area of need. Part of Maye’s rushing numbers are from having to escape from an onslaught of pass rushers. Upgrading the line will be one of the top priorities this offseason.
Defensively, the New England Patriots have some nice pieces. Christian Gonzalez has looked good in his second year after his rookie season was cut short due to injury. They have kept the team in games on many occasions. If Jerod Mayo is at least a decent coach, the Patriots should be a fringe playoff team next year.
Final Thoughts
Hiring a head coach is tough. Knowing when to move on from a coach is even tougher, especially after only one year. The next four games will go a long way in determining how effective Jerod Mayo can be. If he can show promise in the last bit of the season, the cries for his departure may start to quiet.
