Jerod Mayo’s first season as head coach of the New England Patriots has been anything but promising. With a disappointing 3-10 record, the Patriots currently sit third in the 2025 NFL Draft order. After parting ways with legendary coach Bill Belichick, team owner Robert Kraft and the front office expected a turnaround or, at the very least, signs of progress. Instead, the franchise appears to have regressed under Mayo’s leadership, and now his job hangs in the balance.
Reports suggest Kraft is running out of patience. According to Boston Sports Journal, Mayo has just four games to prove he deserves to stay. Without marked improvement or at least a few wins, the rookie head coach could face an unceremonious exit after just one season at the helm. For a team steeped in success, mediocrity isn’t an option, and Kraft is already eyeing alternatives.
Among Patriots fans, the potential shake-up is generating considerable excitement. Social media has erupted with calls for change, with many fans rallying behind two standout candidates: Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and former Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel.
Their credentials and appeal are hard to ignore. Johnson’s creative offensive schemes have turned Detroit into a formidable force, while Vrabel’s championship pedigree and deep ties to New England make him a fan favorite.
“Bring in Ben Johnson or Vrabel. Surround Drake Maye with the most qualified people possible,” one fan tweeted, referencing the Patriots’ likely future franchise quarterback. Another echoed the sentiment: “Get Vrabel quick. He won’t be available when the next coaching carousel ends.”
If the Patriots pursue Mike Vrabel, they’ll face stiff competition. Reports indicate that the Chicago Bears, New Orleans Saints, and even division rivals, the New York Jets, are eyeing the former Titans coach. However, New England may hold the trump card. Vrabel’s history with the Patriots, where he played nine seasons, won three Super Bowls, and was recently inducted into the team’s Hall of Fame, could make Foxborough an irresistible destination.
MLAs the season winds down, all eyes are on the Patriots’ next move. Will they stick with Mayo or pivot to a proven leader like Vrabel or a rising star like Johnson? For a franchise that once set the standard for excellence, the coming weeks could shape its future for years to come.
