Patriots 2024 Coach Odds: Belichick Fired; Who's Hired?

Oddsmakers are already preparing for the post-Bill Belichick era as the New England Patriots embark on a crucial training camp and season.

With throwback uniform reveals dominating the NFL fashion scene, the New England Patriots might be ready to turn back the clock to 1999 ... but for reasons beyond aesthetics. 

Reports out of Foxborough hint that one more playoff-free season from the Patriots, who are looking to avoid their first multi-year drought since 1999-2000, could lead to the end of the seemingly eternal Bill Belichick era. Oddsmakers have already begun preparing for life after Belichick, as Bookies.com has compiled a list of successors to the hoodied leader of New England's six Super Bowls.

Familiar faces lead the way if Belichick is indeed ousted: former Belichick pupil and current inside linebackers coach Jerod Mayo is the early favorite at +300 while newly-installed offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien is in second at +450. 

"Kraft extended Mayo’s contract as other teams came sniffing, and many believe he’s the heir apparent for the role," Bookies.com's Adam Thompson declared. "O'Brien was hired by Kraft this offseason to take over offensive coordinator duties from Matt Patricia, who was installed as OC despite having a defensive background and no play-calling experience. 

"It’s possible Mayo, just 37, has a stop as defensive coordinator first, before assuming a head role. In which case, the more-experienced O’Brien could get the nod."

Beyond the internal hires, youth in revolt from abroad are tied for third. Kellen Moore, a 35-year-old set to take over the Los Angeles Chargers' offensive duties after four seasons in the same role in Dallas shares +550 odds with Brian Callahan, who holds the matching position with the Cincinnati Bengals. Other contenders include previous head coaching washouts Kliff Kingsbury (+625), Dan Quinn (+650), and Nathaniel Hackett (+1000). 

The idea that the Patriots could cut ties with Belichick, especially considering his striking distance to the NFL's lead in all-time coaching victories, seems unfathomable to the casual fan but could become a reality if New England continues to struggle in the post-Tom Brady era. Since Brady's departure prior to the 2020 season, New England has defined gridiron mediocrity, posting an even .500 record at 25-25 and enduring a 30-point loss in Buffalo during the 2021 Wild Card round. 

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Geoff Magliocchetti is on Twitter @GeoffJMags

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