It’s been a tough year for the New England Patriots, who enter Week 17 with a 3-12 record after a season that began with some promise. Despite an early upset win over the Browns and a strong performance in a loss to the Seahawks, the team’s fortunes have declined since then.
Rookie quarterback Drake Maye has shown potential, but rookie head coach Jerod Mayo has faced criticism for his handling of the team, especially regarding his staff and the media.
Tensions have also arisen between Mayo and offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt, with Mayo sometimes placing blame on Van Pelt for the team’s struggles. This has led to calls from Patriots fans to fire Mayo and hire former Patriots star Mike Vrabel, who was let go by the Titans after a successful tenure.
However, a report from NFL.com indicates that Patriots owner Robert Kraft is committed to Mayo for the 2025 season, barring any significant issues over the final two games. Kraft has been preparing Mayo to succeed Bill Belichick for years, even incorporating it into Mayo’s contract. The report suggests that Kraft’s long-term vision for the team remains intact, despite this difficult season.
The Patriots were never expected to be contenders this year, with significant roster flaws, including an inexperienced offensive line. Mayo’s first season as head coach was always going to be a developmental year.
That said, changes to the staff are expected, particularly on the offensive side. The offensive struggles this season, highlighted by a viral lip-reading video of the Krafts, could lead to changes, with some speculation that Van Pelt’s position may be at risk. The key question remains whether an offensive coordinator change could hinder the development of Maye, the promising rookie quarterback.
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