Patriots legend wants current head coach to replace team's playcaller in 2025

Although expectations were incredibly low for the Patriots' 2024 season, mainly on offense, they have surpassed that low bar by performing even worse than anyone could have imagined through the first four games of the season. It's a disappointing reality that comes with significant changes to a team, like the departure of a longtime head coach, but it seems like the struggles go beyond the typical growing pains that come with that.

Questions are already being asked about the new staff's fitness for their positions, even if it is a bit too early to draw any conclusion. Many are already deeming Jerod Mayo the wrong choice to succeed Bill Belichick, claiming he appears to be too inexperienced to get the team to where it needs to be.

There have also been some demands for owner Robert Kraft to reevaluate his hiring of Eliot Wolf, who presumably handles most duties of a general manager, since the roster has been a proven liability thus far, with most of the issues stemming from their lack of free agent signings.

On top of it all are the concerns surrounding Alex Van Pelt, the Patriots' offensive coordinator, who has struggled in his new role in the first month of the season.

There was a lot of pushback when he was initially hired, which seems to have been confirmed based on the team ending September with a 1-3 record, and two of those losses were blowouts, which might have led to one former Patriot to advocate for his replacement next year.

Rob Ninkovich is already calling for Alex Van Pelt's replacement in 2025

With potential firings already on the mind of many fans, it appears it has also been a discussion amongst former Patriots, as Rob Ninkovich discussed replacing the team's current offensive coordinator as soon as next year.

The former linebacker discussed his desire to see Giants head coach and former Patriots coach Brian Daboll return to Foxboro and take over playcalling duties for the Patriots offense during a recent episode of his "Dan and Ninko" podcast this week.

Before becoming the Giants' head coach in 2022, Daboll was part of the reason for Josh Allen's ascension in the NFL as the Bills' offensive coordinator. His departure from Buffalo drew concerns about how the quarterback would fair in his absence, a strong indicator of just how good Daboll was at his job.

Because he is likely in the hot seat this year, and it's a strong possibility that he will be looking for a new job in 2025, Ninkovich's idea isn't bad for the Patriots to consider. Reuniting with a former coach who spent sporadic time in New England and has a lot of experience to bring to the table could be the ultimate move for the team to make ahead of starting Drake Maye.

It would set him up to be the best possible version of himself, as seen with Daboll's work with Allen, and would put the young, developing offense on the best path to becoming a competitive unit once again.

While all hope is not lost with Van Pelt, he has appeared to be in over his head thus far, and if that continues, it's fair to assume he won't last another season. It would be an unfortunate development, given that it would mean the team would be hiring a fifth offensive coordinator in five years.

However, the main goal has to be to surround your franchise quarterback with the best people possible to have him and the offense thrive, and that might not include Van Pelt in the long-term.

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