- Bill Belichick’s seat is only getting warmer as the Patriots are just 2-7 this year
- And the organization could look to sign a former player to replace him
- provides the latest international sports news
Bill Belichick is still the coach of the New England Patriots, but when that time ends, Mike Vrabel is reportedly the best option to replace him.
Belichick’s Patriots have struggled greatly this season with a 2-7 record and there is increasing speculation that this season could be his last in Foxborough.
With the team in disarray, the Boston Globe, citing two anonymous sources, has reported that ex-Patriot Vrabel is the “home run choice” to replace the legendary coach.
Vrabel, who led the Titans to the AFC Championship in 2020, signed a new contract in February of last year. The Patriots would reportedly have to give up a first-round pick to pull off a trade for the coach.
Additionally, the newspaper reported (prior to the team’s loss to the Commanders this weekend) that Patriots linebackers coach Jerod Mayo could be considered as the team’s interim coach if Belichick is relieved of his duties.
Bill Belichick’s time in New England may be coming to an end as the team is 2-7 this season
Mike Vrabel is reportedly the best choice to replace Belichick, while Mayo could step in on an interim basis
According to the Globe, it’s not “100 percent” that Belichick will finish this season as the Patriots will likely miss the playoffs for the third time in four years.
Beyond this season, Mayo reportedly could be promoted to defensive coordinator under Vrabel or a similarly established coach.
The NFL Network reported last month that Belichick had signed a “multi-year” contract 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 joined the Buccaneers in 2020, as the Patriots have only posted 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 actually be committed to him long-term.
Elsewhere in the organization, the Patriots would like to bring back manager Nick Caserio from the Texans, while Josh McDaniels could resurface as the team’s offensive coordinator after being fired by the Raiders, the paper says.
That role is currently held by Bill O’Brien, although the team’s offense has struggled greatly through nine games.
The Patriots will look to avoid falling to 2-8 this weekend against the Colts in Frankfort.
Bill Belichick New England Patriots