NFL analyst questions whether Bill Belichick's groomed Patriots successor will be a one-and-done failed experiment
Bill Belichick's time with the New England Patriots might be done, but his legacy continues on in the form of Jerod Mayo, who played for the coach and now has succeeded him.
However, the problem is that at 3-13 and in position for the first overall pick, the question is how much longer that legacy will continue in its current form.
Speaking on a Dec. 30 edition of "Pro Football Talk," NFL analyst Mike Florio labeled Mayo's season with the Patriots to be "disastrous."
"Jerod Mayo. His first season with the Patriots has been disastrous. ... We want to give you a second chance. We want to give you a second season. I just wonder when the dust settles, whether or not he will be back," Florio said. [00:01:27][16.6] PFT
"We're a week away from having to make the final decision because I could see them moving on from Jerod Mayo and trying to hire Brian Flores. I could see that happen," he added. [00:01:38][7.6] PFT
Of course, Flores' addition would also carry on the Bill Belichick way of doing things as he too worked under Belichick. However, it also raises the question of whether the Patriots could choose now to abandon the Belichick way entirely.
With Black Monday just a week away, fans could be closer to a new era than they think.
Exploring potential replacement options for Bill Belichick successor Jerod Mayo
Of course, Mayo still has his fingernails on the job for now. However, in short order, the New England Patriots could be joining the coaching post-regular season scrum. Bill Belichick is off the board, dashing any hopes of a reunion. However, aside from Brian Flores, there are still plenty of options at the outset of January.
One option is Pete Carroll. While it has been rumored that he is interested in joining the Chicago Bears, joining the Patriots might also be a solid fit. Carroll coached the team from 1997-1999, so he is familiar with the franchise and Robert Kraft.
Another potential option could be Denver Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph. If the Patriots wish to move on from Mayo but remain a defensive-minded team, Joseph offers that opportunity, having already coached in the AFC.
He's spent a lot of time drawing up schemes to lock down AFC opponents, so he could be a good fit for the team.
At this point, nothing is certain about the Patriots future. One could argue that having the potential No. 1 overall pick might not even guarantee Drake Maye's future long-term. Could the Patriots hit the reset switch once again one year after moving on from Bill Belichick?
If any of the above quotes are used, credit "Pro Football Talk," and H/T Sportskeeda.