The New England Patriots are in a position to lock in the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft with a Week 18 loss to the Buffalo Bills.
Jerod Mayo had the impossible task of replacing Bill Belichick as head coach this season, and many have been unimpressed with his performance, leading to the possibility that he could be one-and-done.
If Mayo is fired and the job does open up, it reportedly will be sought after around the league for one particular reason.
“The Patriots head coaching job is on a lot of people’s radar if it becomes open due to already having a young franchise QB in place with Drake Maye, per Dianna Russini,” JPAFootball wrote on X.
??????: The #Patriots head coaching job is on a lot of people’s radar if it becomes open due to already having a young franchise QB in place with Drake Maye, per @DMRussini
“The Patriots' head-coaching job isn't officially open, but it's definitely on the radar for people… pic.twitter.com/hCqAd8LLwW
— JPAFootball (@jasrifootball) January 4, 2025
Having a solution at quarterback goes a long way toward making any head coaching vacancy an attractive one, and Maye has inspired a ton of confidence around the league given how well he has played with so little to work with around him.
The Pats have a massive need for playmakers on both sides of the ball, as well as on the offensive line help to protect Maye, but a head coaching opening would take priority over all of that.
In 11 starts, the rookie has 15 touchdown passes and 10 interceptions with a 66.8 percent completion percentage, adding 421 yards and two touchdowns on the ground.
Former Patriots legend and NFL head coach Mike Vrabel could be on a short list of possible Mayo replacements.
Vrabel recently interviewed for the New York Jets’ opening, but he’d be a seamless replacement for the current regime in New England.
Of course, the higher-ups have already put their support behind Mayo, who was put in an impossible situation this year and could get another chance to prove himself.
NEXT: Ben Johnson Is Reportedly Interested In Coaching The Patriots
