Is Patriots’ coach Bill Belichick’s future in question?

Could the longtime coach of the New England Patriots be on his way out?

Patriots owner Robert Kraft attended the annual coaches’ meeting and made a few interesting comments in the process.

Never mind his thoughts about acquiring Lamar Jackson or his comments about Mac Jones, which also caused eyebrows to raise around social media. Kraft also decided to talk about how he forces the future of the Patriots.

In a question about Bill Belichick chasing all-time wins leader, Don Shula’s record, Kraft says:

"“I’d like him to break Don Shula’s record, but I’m not looking for any of our players to get great stats,” Kraft said of Belichick. “We’re about winning and doing whatever we can to win. That’s what our focus is now. It’s very important to me that we make the playoffs. That’s what I hope happens next year.”"

This seems to be anything but assuring when it comes to Belichick’s job security past this upcoming season. If anything, it seems as if next season could have a big influence on how Belichick’s future may look with the team going forward.

In the three years post-Brady era, the Patriots have posted an overall record of 25-25 with one postseason appearance. In that game, the Buffalo Bills proceeded to post a nearly perfect game on the Patriots, so the team’s recent track record isn’t anything to be too proud of.

Considering the team’s talent level within the past three seasons, the record makes sense, mediocre rosters produce mediocre records. There aren’t many other coaches out there that could produce better than Bill has. However, Kraft may decide to go in a different direction than Bill sooner than you may expect.

The question would then become, who would replace Belichick?

Based on how those who’ve worked with him describe him, former Patriot player and current assistant, Jerod Mayo would be the most likely candidate to be the heir-apparent to Belichick.

Kraft especially talks very highly of Mayo. Kraft has said that there’s “no ceiling” when it comes to Mayo and his career going forward. In an interview with NFL Network, Kraft also said:

"“Well, he’s definitely a strong candidate to be the heir apparent, but we have some other good people in our system. So right now, we have a good head coach, and we’re doing everything we can to support him, and make sure we do everything we can to win.”"

The coaching situation going forward in New England is definitely something to keep an eye on going forward. While Bill Belichick is set to be the coach for the 2023-24 season, Robert Kraft’s patience may run out on the team’s success if the Patriots don’t perform up to standard.