More rumors stir the pot regarding the future of the Patriots coaching staff

Now that the Patriots are finally in their bye week, there is a lot to reflect on surrounding how the 2024 season has progressed and what the future might look like. While there are still four games to be played, the offseason has been at the forefront of the conversation for many reasons, one being the unsteady status of the coaching staff, including Jerod Mayo.

The first-time head coach has been the subject of harsh scrutiny after unexpectedly succeeding Bill Belichick. Because the Patriots have had a rough year, Mayo has taken a beating from the fans and the media. That has resulted in calls for his job mid-season or even during the next offseason, with many hoping that team owner Robert Kraft will move on from several people on the coaching staff, too.

Rumors have stated that the Krafts are considering everything, especially since they have made it very clear that they want the Patriots to be a competitive team again.

However, the latest insight from NFL insider Albert Breer suggests the contrary, proving that not everyone will be under a microscope the rest of the season, which might not be what many Patriots fans want to hear heading into another crucial offseason.

Despite calls for his firing, Jerod Mayo appears to be on "solid ground" before the 2025 offseason

While there are certainly arguments to be made on both sides of the debate regarding Mayo's status as the Patriots head coach, the consistent support from Kraft means he is the least likely to be removed from his role next offseason.

That's a point that Breer emphasized (again) earlier this week, but he shared his belief that the rest of the coaching staff is not viewed in the same light.

"There are a lot of aspects of the organization that I think will be under evaluation over the next six weeks. That said, I do think (the Krafts) have respect for the spot that Jerod Mayo has been in and was in coming into this (season). And all the chatter and the pressure to win and everything else -- I actually think they believe he's handled that pretty well given the circumstances, given his lack of experience being thrust into this role.

I still think Jerod Mayo is on really solid ground going into 2025. The question is, how different will it look around him? And I think there are fair questions to ask when it comes to that."

It might not be what Patriots fans want to hear, especially considering the possible head coaching options they would likely have to choose from next year (Lions' Ben Johnson and Mike Vrabel). But it's uncommon for a first-time head coach to be booted after just one season, even if it goes as poorly as this year has for the Patriots.

Given Kraft's strong belief in Mayo, it was a far-fetched idea that he would give up on him after one year, especially considering the team he took over.

Changes to the staff around Mayo are a whole other topic, and we should see some change there. However, seeing it through with Mayo and maintaining some consistency for Drake Maye is going to be at the forefront of Kraft's mind, and it might be time for fans to accept that reality.

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