The front office isn’t messing around this offseason. After not qualifying for the postseason two out of the last three seasons. The Patriots released the following statement:
“The New England Patriots and Head Coach Bill Belichick have begun contract extension discussions with Jerod Mayo that would keep him with the team long-term,” the statement read. “In addition, the team will begin interviewing for offensive coordinator candidates beginning next week.”
The Patriots are coming off a disappointing 8-9 season, where the offense held the Patriots back and often cost them games. Questionable play-calling and uncharacteristic penalties dominated headlines as the Patriots ranked last in many offensive metrics. In a surprising move, Belichick named defensive-minded coach Matt Patricia the play-caller.
The criticism was deserved, as Mac Jones regressed from his rookie year, and the Patriots couldn’t figure out how to utilize the tight ends. Arguably, the strongest Patriots receiver, Kendrick Bourne, was often on the bench, although he produced good results when the ball was in his hands. As a result, the Patriots’ offense has regressed significantly from 2021.
Red zone efficiency: 11th (39 TDs in 63 trips) to 32nd (19 TDs in 45 trips)
Third down: 10th (43.5%) to 27th (34.8%)
Touchdowns scored: 48 to 31
Yards per game: 16th (355.4) to 26th (314.6)
Points per game: 6th (27.2) to 17th (21.4)
Patriots fans should be ecstatic about a new play-caller, and many eyes are on former NFL coach and current Alabama offensive play-caller Bill O’ Brien. The Patriots won’t interview anyone until next week, but keep an eye on Kliff Kingsbury, Chad O’Shea, and Zac Robinson. However, the Patriots must also interview at least one minority candidate due to the NFL’s Rooney Rule.
In addition to the Patriots looking for a new offensive coordinator, they announced their commitment to retain linebackers coach and former NFL player Jerod Mayo “long term.” Mayo played with the Patriots from 2008-2015 and was a Pro Bowler in 2012. Mayo returned as a coach in 2019 and has remained with the Patriots. However, Mayo hasn’t been promoted. For the last three seasons, Mayo has interviewed with other teams but continued to stay in New England.
Mayo spoke with the Cleveland Browns and Carolina Panthers about job openings this week. Reportedly, the Panthers will interview Mayo for its head coaching job, and the Browns will interview Mayo about the defensive coordinator gig.
It’s also worth noting the Patriots’ wording in the release saying the intent is to keep Mayo around long term. This could be a succession plan for when Bill Belichick retires. Belichick turns 71 in April and is set to return for his 23rd season with the Patriots.
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My name is Ben Belford-Peltzman and I am the creator and writer of The Patriots Beat. I am a 17-year kid who is an optimistic pessimist about the City of Champions. I started The Patriots Beat in August of 2022 and never expected to grow so much but here we are. Feel free to email Thepatriotsbeat@gmail.com with any inquires.
