The New England Patriots relieved head coach Jerod Mayo of his duties on Sunday afternoon. Mayo concluded his first campaign in charge of the Patriots with a 23-16 victory over the Buffalo Bills. It wasn't enough to salvage his job.
Statement from Patriots Chairman and CEO Robert Kraft: https://t.co/2YgHtzzBHK pic.twitter.com/GMXGgd768x
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) January 5, 2025
As a result of their Week 18 win, the Patriots slid from No. 1 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft to fourth. Rumors of a toxic environment and puzzling decision-making ultimately doomed Mayo, despite him being a first-year coach. Mayo didn't flash enough long-term potential in owner Robert Kraft's eyes to deserve the benefit of the doubt.
The Patriots will now appoint a new head coach for the second consecutive offseason after previously having Bill Belichick in that role for 24 straight campaigns. The opening will be attractive, given the presence of franchise quarterback Drake Maye, and a league-leading $130 million in projected cap space. We've identified three potential coaching candidates.
Mike Vrabel
Mike Vrabel immediately becomes the overwhelming favorite to be the Patriots' next head coach. Vrabel played eight professional seasons in Foxborough, winning three Super Bowls. He's maintained good relationships with Kraft and others close to the organization, even attending his midseason ceremonial entrance into their Hall of Fame in 2023 while still coaching the Tennessee Titans.
Vrabel is rumored to sit atop most team's coaching wishlists this offseason. His unique relationship with Kraft and appreciation for the organization should give New England the upper hand in his upcoming sweepstakes. The presence of a young franchise quarterback, paired with their financial flexibility in free agency, could certainly help them seal the deal.
Ben Johnson
The Patriots have to gauge his interest, right? Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson has been linked to head coaching gigs for two consecutive offseasons, only for him to remain in Detroit. Johnson's choosiness hasn't impacted his reputation, nor has it lowered the interest shown in him. He's as popular as ever, with the Lions poised to make another run at a Super Bowl.
If Johnson is looking for an organization with steady ownership and a history of winning, he'll locate it in New England. He'd also inherit a quarterback worth building his high-scoring offense around. Johnson has been patient, and the Patriots possess an extremely intriguing vacancy.
Joe Brady
Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady was once viewed as a fast-rising candidate. A lackluster stint as the Carolina Panthers' OC and play-caller paused his ascension, but he's since rehabilitated his reputation alongside Josh Allen in Buffalo. Under Brady's guidance, Allen appears poised to win his first MVP award. The Bills offense has gotten better this season despite the absence of a clear-cut No. 1 wide receiver, as a spread-the-ball-around mentality has been more effective.
After whiffing on the defensive-minded Mayo, the Patriots may prefer to appoint an offense-first coach to oversee Maye's development. Brady is an excellent candidate to be paired with a young quarterback. As a bonus, they'd also be weakening a division rival by taking him from Buffalo.
