Heir to Throne: Patriots Target Next Head Coach; Belichick on Hot Seat?

Murmurs of a disconnect between the New England Patriots Robert Kraft and Bill Belichick will only escalate after a new report citing Jerod Mayo as the team's next head coach.

The offseason has been anything but rumor-free for the New England Patriots, from the reports of a grudge being held against third-year quarterback Mac Jones by coach Bill Belichick to even the potential of there being a disconnect between owner Robert Kraft and the future Hall-of-Fame coach.

The latest rumblings out of Foxboro stem from a new report via the Boston Globe's Ben Violin about the job security of Belichick heading into the 2023 season.

"Robert Kraft already made it clear in March that he wants the Patriots to make the postseason and win a playoff game for the first time in five years," the Globe wrote. "He also paid Jerod Mayo handsomely to keep him off the coaching market and likely views him as the team’s coach-in-waiting. And Belichick’s friends have privately said they are worried that he is on the hot seat in 2023." 

So, heading into his 23rd season as the Patriots' coach, Belichick's end could be in sight. This isn't the first time that rumors of him being on the hot seat heading into the season have surfaced.

In March, Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio floated the idea that New England would part ways with Belichick at the season's end, which could prompt him to take a job elsewhere with the Dallas Cowboys or Buffalo Bills. Both seem outlandish, especially the latter considering Sean McDermott's success in Orchard Park.

Since winning six Super Bowls with legendary quarterback Tom Brady, Belichick's Patriots have struggled to get back to those same heights. While no one thought it'd be easy to replace the all-time greatest winner in NFL history, there was hope that Mac Jones would be the guy. 

Is there still hope in Jones? That has been a big question of the offseason after rumors of Belichick reportedly shopping the former first-round pick ahead of the NFL Draft. Those potential trade talks never amounted to anything, as evidenced by Jones still being in New England, but who said that was Belichick's decision? 

In the same article, the Boston Globe revealed that Jones has the "backing" of Kraft. ...  Sound familiar? This wouldn't be the first time that Belichick and Kraft have disagreed over a quarterback, as it also happened with Jimmy Garoppolo back in 2017. Despite the Hall of Famer's desire to keep Garoppolo, Kraft reportedly told him no. 

Again, looking back on a report on the story from that time, ESPN's Seth Wickersham also noted that he heard of Belichick's fury and demoralization through "friends."

Coincidence? Maybe; only time will tell.

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