With three games left on the schedule for the Patriots 2024 season, nothing is set in stone regarding the coaching staff for next year, including head coach Jerod Mayo. Rumors have been swirling over the past few weeks suggesting he would be on the sidelines next year, while others claimed the opposite.
We won't know what his inevitable fate will be until Robert Kraft definitively states it to the media, but until then, speculation is going to continue running rampant with ideas of who could replace Mayo as soon as next season.
At the top of the list of likeliness is former Titans head coach and Patriots linebacker Mike Vrabel, who has spent this year with the Browns as a coaching and personnel consultant. His aspirations to return to his former role have been well-documented, as have Kraft's desires to get him back in Foxboro, which could happen as soon as next year.
Because his name has been the most discussed this past week, so has the alleged staff he would bring in with him. Among those discussed is another former Patriots coach who that will either excite or frustrate fans.
Mike Vrabel could decide to bring in Josh McDaniels if he becomes the Patriots next head coach
While discussing the situation this week, Boston Sports Journal's Greg Bedard shared what he's been hearing about the possibility of Vrabel succeeding Mayo next year, including the potential return of longtime offensive coordinator and most recently fired Raiders head coach Josh McDaniels.
Since he was let go mid-season last year, McDaniels has laid low and was rumored to join Bill Belichick at UNC, but that might not be the case depending on what happens in New England.
"Yes [Mike Vrabel] would have an interest in coaching the New England Patriots. I think there's a pretty good chance that Josh McDaniels would come with him. That's my understanding, that's what I'm hearing."
— Patriots on CLNS Media (@PatriotsCLNS) December 19, 2024
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When McDaniels decided to leave the Patriots to become the Raiders head coach after the 2022 season, the fans had a mixed reaction. Some felt it had been time for him to move on, as they thought his play calling had become stale, especially after Tom Brady's departure. Others, however, weren't thrilled at the idea since he seemed to work well with Mac Jones.
Some of that will likely remain, even more so since his stint in Las Vegas ended so badly, but it's possible that he could be a better OC than what the Patriots currently have in Alex Van Pelt.
The problem with that, however, is that quarterback Drake Maye continues to voice his support for Van Pelt despite his apparent struggles in his role this year. That could affect what Kraft chooses to do during the offseason with the staff, which would halt McDaniels' return.
But if he decides to bring in Vrabel, it's difficult to imagine that he would be good with not bringing in the staff he wants with him, and presumably, that wouldn't be retaining Van Pelt.
This adds another layer to the drama of what could unfold this spring.