Jerod Mayo’s first year as head coach of the New England Patriots has been anything but easy. Tasked with taking over a team once led by the legendary Bill Belichick, Mayo stepped into a pressure-filled role in what was already expected to be a challenging 2024 season. The Patriots have regressed in areas where improvement was needed most, and despite some flashes of hope, particularly with rookie quarterback Drake Maye, the team sits at 3-10 entering their Week 14 bye. As a result, the 37-year-old head coach has found himself under heavy scrutiny from a passionate fanbase who expected a more immediate turnaround.
While New England’s struggles are understandable given the transition period, the growing frustration among fans hasn’t made it easier for Mayo. The Patriots’ performance in 2024 has raised concerns about the future, especially with the team’s inability to close out close games. Despite a few bright spots, such as Maye’s development, the overall product on the field has been far from satisfactory, putting Mayo firmly in the crosshairs of criticism.
Mayo Takes Responsibility, Makes a Promise for Year 2
In a candid interview with NBC Sports Boston’s Tom E. Curran, Mayo didn’t shy away from the reality of his struggles as a rookie head coach. Acknowledging that the jump from Year 1 to Year 2 is significant for both players and coaches, Mayo made a bold promise to fans and the media: he’s confident he will be a better coach in Year 2 than he is in Year 1.
“I still have a lot to learn as the head coach of this football team, and I’ve understood that,” Mayo said. “It’s a very different role, and I tell players this same thing, ‘The biggest jump that you’ll ever have in your career is from Year 1 to Year 2.’ I’m sure, one hundred percent, that I’ll be a better coach in Year 2 than I am in Year 1.”
It’s a familiar sentiment in the NFL, where coaches and players alike are often given a pass in their rookie seasons, as the learning curve can be steep. For Mayo, who had never served as a coordinator before taking the reins in New England, the adjustment has been particularly noticeable. The expectation is that he will take the lessons learned this season and apply them to an improved 2025 campaign.
Time Is Running Out for the ‘Learning Curve’ Excuse
While Mayo is right to point out that most first-year coaches face growing pains, the reality is that next season will likely be different. The Patriots will likely have a quarterback in Maye who could be the face of the franchise for the foreseeable future. With such a key piece of the puzzle locked in, the clock will start ticking on Mayo’s tenure much sooner than he may hope.
The 2024 season has offered its fair share of lessons for Mayo, but the time for grace will be limited once Year 2 begins. The Patriots’ brass will be looking for improvement not just from Maye, but from Mayo as well. The team will need to show signs of growth in all areas, particularly on offense, where much of the focus will be centered. While Maye has shown promise, the team’s overall performance has been inconsistent, and Mayo will be expected to take greater control of the situation in Year 2.
A Crossroads for Mayo and the Patriots
As the Patriots look to move on from their Belichick era, it’s clear that a rebuild is underway, though it’s uncertain how long it will take to return to contender status. For Robert Kraft, the decision to move on from Bill Belichick was monumental, and with it comes the expectation that the franchise will find a path forward that leads back to relevance.
Mayo has certainly earned some leeway due to his inexperience, but with a quarterback like Maye in place, the expectation for 2025 will be much higher. The coming offseason will be crucial not just for Mayo’s coaching future but also for the long-term direction of the franchise. If the team fails to show significant improvement next season, it could become clear that the new regime is not the right fit, and that’s a reality that could force Kraft to rethink his decision sooner than he anticipated.
As the Patriots move through the remainder of the 2024 season, all eyes will be on Mayo and his ability to learn from his rookie mistakes. The promise he made to the fans—to be a better coach in Year 2—will be one he’ll have to deliver on quickly, or risk facing even more intense criticism in what will be a make-or-break season for both him and the franchise.
