- Bill Belichick’s seat is heating up as the Patriots are just 2-7 this year
- And the organization could look to a former player to replace him
- DailyMail.com provides all the latest international sports news
Bill Belichick is still the coach of the New England Patriots, but when that time is up, Mike Vrabel is reportedly the best option to replace him.
Belichick’s Patriots are struggling mightily this season with a 2-7 record, and speculation is mounting that this season could be his last in Foxborough.
With the team in disarray, the Boston sphere has reported that ex-Patriot Vrabel is the “home run pick” to succeed the legendary coach, citing two anonymous sources.
Vrabel, who took the Titans to the AFC Championship in 2020, signed a new contract in February last year. The Patriots would reportedly have to give up a first-round pick to land a trade for the coach.
Additionally, the newspaper reported (before the team’s loss to the Commanders this weekend) that Patriots linebackers coach Jerod Mayo could be in line to become the team’s interim coach if Belichick is relieved of his duties.
Bill Belichick’s time in New England could be nearing an end, with the team currently 2-7 this season
Mike Vrabel is reportedly the top choice to succeed Belichick, while Mayo could fill in on an interim basis
According to the Globe, it’s not “100 percent” that Belichick will finish this season, with the Patriots appearing to miss the playoffs for the third time in four years.
After this season, Mayo could reportedly be in line for a promotion to defensive coordinator under Vrabel or a similarly established coach.
The NFL Network reported last month that Belichick had signed a “multi-year” extension with the team, where he has been head coach since 2000 and has won six Super Bowls.
The team has struggled since Tom Brady left for the Buccaneers in 2020, as the Patriots have posted just one winning season since then.
Mac Jones and the Patriots offense have struggled mightily for New England this year
However, the Globe cited a source who believes the extension only runs through 2024, meaning the Patriots wouldn’t really be committed to him long-term.
Elsewhere in the organization, the Patriots would like to bring back Nick Caserio from the Texans, while Josh McDaniels could reemerge as the team’s offensive coordinator after being fired by the Raiders, the newspaper reported.
That role is currently filled by Bill O’Brien, although the team’s offense has struggled mightily through nine games.
The Patriots will try to avoid falling to 2-8 this weekend when they take on the Colts in Frankfort.
