Julian Edelman believes the Patriots should go in this direction for new head coach

Within the debate of Bill Belichick's future in New England or elsewhere comes the conversation of who should replace the legendary coach if he does move onto another team. The presumed heir has been Jerod Mayo, who appeared to be groomed for the role over the last few years, even more so after the team made known their desire to keep him on the staff long-term last summer.

Besides an in-house promotion to replace Belichick, rumors have suggested Robert Kraft was interested in making a trade for current Titans head coach Mike Vrabel. The likelihood of that happening has flip-flopped since the initial story was published online, with the latest update stating it is not a move that will happen, regardless of the Patriots' potential need for a new head coach.

Other names have been thrown into the mix, primarily by fans sharing their dream hires, but none have really stuck other than Mayo. And because of that, some are not entirely on board with another defensive-minded guy taking over the role in a league that continues to become more offensively driven.

That's how Julian Edelman feels the Patriots should fill the position if Belichick is removed from his role. While appearing on the "Pardon My Take" podcast earlier this week, the former receiver shared his support of either Mayo or Vrabel taking over the team but said if given the choice, he would prefer to see someone with more offensive experience instead.

Based on how the league has trended more as an offensively dominant league, it makes sense that someone with that mindset would be desirable as the new head coach. It would be the opposite of what the team has had under Belichick and could be a nice change, especially with the offense needing significant improvement.

At the same time, however, there's no better brain in football than Belichick. Not only does he understand defenses and can teach offensive players, like a quarterback, how to read and understand the opposite side of the football, but his nearly 50-year career working football guarantees he has far more knowledge about the entirety of a football team than that of someone with just offensive coaching experience.

It will inevitably be a difficult decision for Kraft to make, from deciding to retain or fire Belichick to who will replace him; it's a choice that will dictate the outlook of the team for many years following.

Read more from Musket Fire: