Sunday's game against the Bills will dictate the future of the Patriots organization in more ways than one. Unfortunately for Jerod Mayo, that includes his status as the head coach and his staff, no matter the outcome of the matchup. How the team fares will also determine where they land in the first round of this year's draft, but that has taken a backseat to the speculation surrounding the coaching staff.
A lot has been suggested regarding Mayo's status in New England and who might be the best to replace him if Kraft decides to go that route. Within that conversation, a few names have become the prominent leaders of the likeliest successors.
The top names continue to be Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and former Titans head coach Mike Vrabel. They are at the top of nearly every team needing a new head coach for the 2025 season, and although the Patriots aren't in that boat yet, they'll inevitably be interested, too.
They will have a few options to choose from this cycle, with three teams already having fired their head coaches before the 2024 season ends: the Chicago Bears, New Orleans Saints and New York Jets. None seem too desirable considering their current rosters and ownership situations.
So, if the Patriots join the mix, analysts believe they'll be the team most candidates will want to work for.
The Patriots have a lot working in their favor if they choose to move on from Jerod Mayo
There is a lot that sets the Patriots apart from the other teams that are currently looking for a new head coach and some that will eventually join.
According to The Athletic's Dianna Russini, the Patriots' possible opening is already on the radar around the league and the main reason for that is because of Drake Maye.
“The Patriots head coaching job isn’t officially open, but it’s definitely on the radar for people around the league. I’d go as far as to say it’s the job a lot of coaching candidates are eyeing. Why? Drake Maye.
If you’re trying to predict where the top coaching candidates will land, look no further than the teams with quarterbacks who have the potential to win big. Those organizations are always the most appealing. I asked three general managers where they thought Maye would land if he were in this upcoming draft; all three said No. 1 overall.”
To make the job even sweeter, they're guaranteed a top-5 draft pick no matter if they win/lose against the Bills and are also projected to have the most cap space to spend in free agency. All of this should make it a lot easier for Robert Kraft to line up candidates to interview if Mayo is let go, which might not have have been the case last year when looking for Bill Belichick's successor.
Coming into the Patriots this year will be like being handed a clean slate to work with, assuming that Mayo will take his staff with him if he is let go. The incoming head coach will be able to hire their own staff and have plenty to work with to completely turn the team around, which is not generally the case with a team that just fired their coach.
It's far from confirmed if the Patriots will even get to this point, as the rumors surrounding Kraft's feelings about Mayo have been back and forth over the past few weeks. However, hearing that there appears to be some legitimate interest around the league could influence his decision when the time comes.