3 reasons this is Bill Belichick's last year as Pats' head coach

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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – DECEMBER 18: Linebackers coach Jerod Mayo of the New England Patriots looks on during warmups before a game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on December 18, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Getty Images) /

3 reasons this is Bill Belichick’s last year as Pats’ head coach

Multiple candidates in-house to take over as HC

Between Jerod Mayo and new offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien, there are multiple candidates in-house that might seamlessly take over as Belichick once he steps down as HC or perhaps mutually parts ways.

The big thing here for me is that the Pats don’t want to risk losing Mayo or potentially O’Brien, whose successful HC tenure in the NFL was marred by his failure as their de-facto GM. Both men are great coaches and will get a shot to be a head coach in the NFL. Perhaps Robert Kraft does not want to run the risk that either or both of Mayo or O’Brien departs for greener pastures.

What happens if the Pats go 8-9 again and both Mayo and O’Brien are presented with better opportunities elsewhere? In that case, it might be smart to have Belichick step aside to make room for one of them as the next head coach, likely being Jerod Mayo.

It’s clear that the Patriots need some fresh ideas at the HC spot, and they potentially have two very quality candidates inside the building already who might be able to provide those fresh ideas.

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