The Patriots entered Sunday with a clear objective: lose. Players don’t tank, but organizations sure do. A loss would secure the team the top selection in the upcoming draft, a franchise-altering asset for a team void of talent. As is the story for their entire season, they failed again.
This was always supposed to be a rebuild. Life without Bill Belichick was going to be a significant adjustment, but building for the future was of the utmost priority. Even with a flurry of losses on the forecast, the blizzard of defeats was simply unacceptable. The defense headed into Sunday 27th in EPA. The offensive line and pass-catching room were the worst in the league by a wide margin. It was a disastrous product with little room for optimism.
Even with a budding superstar signal caller in Drake Maye, the lack of positive moments throughout the campaign was startling. That’s why it should be of no surprise that the club dismissed head coach Jerod Mayo after the win (or, to many, loss) against Buffalo in the season finale.
Mayo got the least out of his players, failing to lead a competitive unit for long stretches of time. He looked overmatched and didn’t do enough to warrant a second chance. New England now has to shift gears and search for their third coach in as many years. Here are some names that will be at the top of Robert Kraft’s list.
Patriots Coaching Wish List
Mike Vrabel – (Previously: Browns Personnel Consultant, Titans HC)
The early leader in the clubhouse, Mike Vrabel, is the most successful coach on the market. Vrabel spent eight seasons in Foxborough as a player, winning a trio of titles and earning an All-Pro nod in 2007. He was recently inducted into the team’s Hall of Fame.
After being a longtime assistant, Vrabel landed the head job in Tennessee in 2018, turning around the culture overnight and establishing a winning culture in Music City. He made the postseason three of his six years at the helm, winning the AFC South twice and making the AFC Championship in 2019. Vrabel overachieved with middling rosters, and his ability to connect with players can’t be understated. He’s a tone-setter and can quickly turn this rudderless ship around.
Ben Johnson – (Currently: Lions OC)
The new kid on the block, Ben Johnson, is widely considered football’s premier young coordinator. The 38-year-old transformed the Detroit offense into a supernova, averaging over 33 points an outing. His creativity is unmatched, and his playbook is always getting deeper.
Johnson’s playing career peaked as a reserve quarterback for the University of North Carolina, and he has never been a head man. He was a hot name last cycle, but he waited for a better opportunity to come knocking. Is the current situation and illustrious history worth salvaging for him?
Brian Daboll – (Currently: Giants HC)
In 2022, Brian Daboll was the premier hire. The longtime assistant was the offensive coordinator who helped unlock Josh Allen. After winning coach of the year in his first season in charge of the Giants, Dabboll’s squads have dramatically regressed, and he looks to be on the outs.
Dabboll won five Super Bowls during two separate stints on the Patriots staff. He’s still a brilliant offensive mind with experience elevating young signal callers.
Darkhorse Names
Kliff Kingsbury – (Currently: Commanders OC)
After a disappointing run on the sidelines with Arizona, Kliff Kingsbury took time away from the sport to recalibrate. In his first year back calling plays for the Commanders, Kingsbury has spearheaded the league’s fourth-best offense per EPA. He’s due for another shot.
Liam Coen – (Currently: Buccaneers OC)
After Dave Canales took the Carolina job, the Tampa Bay offense was supposed to take a step back. Instead, it’s gotten better, and Liam Coen has turned his young group into a powerhouse. He is also a Rhode Island native who went to Umass, where the regional connection is there.
Brian Flores – (Currently: Vikings DC)
Brian Flores spent a decade in New England as a defensive assistant before getting a shot to lead Miami. That partnership was a mess from the start, but his bounce-back has been impressive. He’s helped Minnesota become a feared defense that causes havoc and creates turnovers. Flores actively suing the NFL hurts his chances, but his star power is undeniable.
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