Potential Bill Belichick Successor: Surprise Name on New England Patriots' List

With the end reportedly near for Bill Belichick in Foxboro, the New England Patriots might be beginning the search for his heir to the throne.

With the New England Patriots off their worst start since 2000, all signs point to the inevitable parting of ways with coach Bill Belichick. Per a recent report, Belichick's firing could take place as soon as Monday if the Patriots fall to 2-8 with a loss Sunday to the Indianapolis Colts in Germany. 

So with the end of the 24-year relationship between Belichick and the Patriots likely coming to an end, who could the team hire to replace the legendary coach?

Jerod Mayo 

If the Patriots ultimately decide to promote from within as many have predicted, then there may not be a better coach than the 37-year-old defensive assistant. 

Mayo, the former Patriots linebacker who has now served the past four years coaching his old position, had a chance to test the coaching carousel last offseason but ultimately decided to sign a new contract and stay in Foxboro. He turned down interviews with the Cleveland Browns for their defensive coordinator role and the Carolina Panthers for their head coach job, prompting many to believe he'd become the heir to Belichick's throne.

However, with the potentially disastrous ending to the Belichick tenure, that could force a change of plans.

Mike Vrabel 

He's another name with ties to Belichick and the "Patriot Way." Except Vrabel brings prior NFL coaching experience. His current job with the Tennessee Titans would be a roadblock for the Patriots to work around. 

Assuming Vrabel is available this offseason, he'd give the Patriots an experienced coach, who is not only well aware of how the dynasty was built in Foxboro, but has gone on to learn how to win on his own. 

Since being hired in 2018, the Titans have had just one losing season under Vrabel's watch, while making the playoffs three times. In fact, the 48-year-old's first time coaching in the playoffs saw him face his former coach and team in the 2020 Wild Card game, which ended up being legendary quarterback Tom Brady's last in a Patriots uniform.

While Vrabel's time in Tennessee hasn't resulted in him winning a Super Bowl or even making it past the AFC Championship game, his consistency cannot be ignored. 

Lions' offensive coordinator Ben Johnson has resurrected the career of Jared Goff. Could he do the same for Mac Jones in New England? / Getty

Ben Johnson 

While other names on this list have past ties with Belichick and the Patriots, this one is a complete outsider. 

Johnson, 37, has risen to prominence for his work as the Detroit Lions' offensive coordinator the past two years. Since assuming the reins of a Lions' offense that was near the bottom of the league in points per game in 2021, Johnson's coordinating has helped transform the Lions from perennial bottom feeders to legitimate contenders. 

Per TeamRankings, Johnson's offense currently ranks No. 9 in points per game. The Patriots this season rank 31st, averaging only 15.

A big part of the Lions' development under Johnson has been because of his work with quarterback Jared Goff. After the former No. 1 overall pick struggled in 2021, his first in Detroit, Johnson has Goff plying his best football this season. He ranks eighth in completion percentage (68.3), and passing yards (2,173), while leading the league in adjusted completion percentage (81.3).

For a Patriots team that has been held back by lackluster offenses in the last two seasons, Johnson would be an enticing hire.

---