NFL Rumors: 54-win head coach "interested" in replacing Jerod Mayo
It's been a rough couple of weeks for New England Patriots coach Jerod Mayo. Replacing Bill Belichick, winner of six Super Bowls, would be a monumental task for any coach, let alone a rookie.
However, the Patriots have exhibited little progress in Mayo's first year in the seat. Drake Maye and Hunter Henry are the lone bright spots in a stagnant offense while the defense has taken multiple steps back despite retaining most of the personnel who featured in Belichick's team last year.
Mayo's public comments on the state of the franchise have also invited a fair bit of criticism, prompting the question of whether he is on the hot seat.
One man who has been strongly linked with the role time and again is former Tennessee Titans coach Mike Vrabel. The former Patriot has a long history with the franchise, having won three Super Bowls with the team. Many expected CEO Robert Kraft to name him as Belichick's heir, though the billionaire has often claimed he tapped up Mayo for that role five years ago.
NBC's Patriots insider Tom Curran believes Vrabel would be open to taking on the role of Patriots coach if the franchise were to part ways with Mayo.
"Mike Vrabel would be interested in coaching for the New England Patriots. I think that he looks at the Patriots, and despite the warts, says, I'll go back there," Curran said on Arbella Early Edition.
All in all, Vrabel led the Titans to 54 wins during his tenure in Tennessee but saw little success in the playoffs. He is currently working with the Cleveland Browns as a coaching and personnel consultant.
Jerod Mayo, Patriots staring at major overhaul in 2025
Heading into next season, the Patriots are projected to have the most cap space of any team. Spotrac has the Patriots at $132 million next year, followed by the Las Vegas Raiders ($112 million), Arizona Cardinals ($104 million), Washington Commanders ($101 million) and Chicago Bears ($82 million).
That figure would afford Mayo a lot of wiggle room to get some top talent in. They are also projected to have a top-three pick in April's NFL draft. While there is a dire need for OL help, passing on star WR/CB talent Travis Hunter could invite criticism, considering the current state of their WR room.