The long-rumored front-runner to replace Bill Belichick as head coach of the New England Patriots is reportedly failing to make a good impression on some folks in the organization.
For a while now, it has been reported that inside linebackers coach Jerod Mayo will succeed Belichick as the Patriots head coach. And with the Pats (3-11) missing the postseason for the third time in four years, many expect owner Robert Kraft to part ways with Belichick after the season.
Interestingly, however, a new report from Greg A. Bedard of the Boston Sports Journal (h/t Dakota Randall of NESN) suggests that Mayo is far from a lock to succeed Belichick.
According to Bedard, Mayo has “rubbed” some people in the organization “the wrong way.” One source even told Bedard view it as a “longshot” for Mayo to replace Belichick:
“While nearly everyone I’ve talked to believes Mayo has the stuff to be a head coach, I can’t find many who believe he is ready to assume that role right now. He needs to sit and learn more from a coach who shares a bit more, like a (Mike) Vrabel, and to have more responsibility. Of course, if Mayo is passed over, you can almost guarantee he’ll re-enter the HC interview circuit.
“Multiple team sources indicated Mayo has rubbed at least some people the wrong way in the building since his extension and when he, perhaps, received a strong indication he would be the successor (the idea was more for 2025 or ’26). Maybe this is of no concern to the Krafts, if their mind was already made up. I have no new information that would lead me to believe the Krafts don’t continue to think highly of Mayo. But you would expect them to do their due diligence on whoever they might have in mind — internal or external. Of course, you can’t rule out that some sources are lining up their own boats and perhaps thinking that Mayo may be setting a new course.”
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There are conflicting reports about Belichick’s future with the Patriots, too.
While it has been reported that the Patriots have already decided that they’ll part ways with Belichick after the season, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport said on Saturday that a decision has not been made on his future.
