Patriots Ex Julian Edelman Christmas Wish List: 'Offensive-Minded' Belichick Successor

Julian Edelman wants the New England Patriots to follow along with this trend in the NFL when making their next head coaching hire.

Amidst the worst season for the New England Patriots since 1993, the speculation surrounding coach Bill Belichick continues to spread. It is uncertain how and when the Patriots will part ways with the architect of their nearly two-decade-long dynasty. 

But, it seems increasingly likely that for the first time in 24 years, the Patriots will have a new coach on their sidelines next season. And while this thought would've been unimaginable just five years ago, many are starting to come to terms with it, even former star receiver Julian Edelman.  

“I mean, I think it’s a reality that’s going to come,” Edelman said about Belichick's potential firing during an interview on Barstool's "Pardon My Take" podcast. “I won’t believe it until it’s done, but when the media starts getting on this and starts talking about it, where there’s smoke, there’s fire. I just hope it’s handled correctly, like professionals, because Bill is a huge part of the success that we had."

Former New England Patriots receiver Julian Edelman (left) and current coach Bill Belichick (right) / Clutchpoints

This begs the next question: Who should the Patriots hire to replace the legendary coach and de facto general manager?  

“If I were to go that route of hiring a coach, with the (draft) pick that they’re probably going to have, I would want to probably have an offensive-minded guy,” Edelman said. “That’s kind of what the league’s going to.”

Suppose the Patriots do go the route that Edelman suggests. In that case, that will cut down the field of candidates that potentially includes current Tennessee Titans coach Mike Vrabel, who, despite not seemingly being on the hot seat in Nashville, is being mentioned as a dream replacement for Belichick, along with current Patriots inside linebackers coach Jerod Mayo. 

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However, even if Vrabel and Mayo aren't considered for the job, it is hard to argue against the former Patriots receiver. The steep regression of the Patriots offense under coordinator Bill O'Brien has been a big reason behind the disastrous season. 

With just three regular-season games left on the schedule, the Patriots' horrid offense ranks last in points per game at 13.3, No. 28 in yards per game, and No. 29 in third-down conversion rate. If that doesn't spell losing football, the Patriots have won just one in their four games where their opponents have scored 10 points or less this season.

While a change in play-caller and or scheme won't solve the Patriots' problems offensively, as O'Brien doesn't deserve all of the blame, getting a coach who knows that side of the ball could be a good start to their imminent rebuild.

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