Jerod Mayo hot seat: NFL insider reveals status of Patriots head coach

The New England Patriots will finish the 2024 season with one of the worst records in the league under first-year head coach Jerod Mayo.

In danger of losing their 14th game of the season against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, could the Patriots oust their former linebacker turned head coach after one season?

“He’s had the backing of Robert Kraft for weeks, but over the last 30 days, there have been some public gaffes,” NFL insider Adam Schefter said during SportsCenter on Sunday morning. “There’s been poor performance on the field.

“There’s been anger and apathy from the fan base, and I think that is reflected and I think they’re going to want to see how today finishes out before making a decision. I think that’s very much up in the air right now.”

However, a report from NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport stated that Mayo is expected to return as the Patriots coach for a second season in 2025. This report came after they took the Bills to the limit in a 24-21 loss. New England will get another crack at Buffalo during Week 18, but Mayo’s squad followed that up by getting blown out 40-7 against the Los Angeles Chargers.

Whether Week 17’s lopsided loss is what ultimately changed Robert Kraft’s tune on Mayo remains to be seen, but a strong final performance of the season against the Bills, a Super Bowl contender, could go a long way in helping Mayo retain his position for another year.

The Patriots may have found their quarterback of the future in Drake Maye, who has started 12 games for them this season. The rookie has 2,276 passing yards, 15 touchdowns and 10 interceptions on the season so far this year. Giving him one more year with Maye having a season of experience under his belt could go a long way in changing the perception the Patriots’ fanbase has of him.

At best, the Patriots can finish the season 4-13 and head into the offseason with one of the top three picks in the 2025 NFL Draft. With Maye in place, they likely won’t be shopping for a quarterback but could use help at multiple positions. If No. 1, they can snag Heisman Trophy-winner and Colorado star Travis Hunter — essentially getting a star at two positions.