After the New England Patriots went 10-7 in 2021, many believed the team was headed in the right direction with head coach Bill Belichick and emerging franchise quarterback Mac Jones. Two years later, both appear to be on the hot seat.
Coming off that 2021 season, New England lost offensive play-caller Josh McDaniels and a significant number of key assistants to the Las Vegas Raiders. Instead of hiring a proven offensive coordinator, Belichick made Joe Judge his quarterbacks coach and former defensive coordinator Matt Patricia took over as offensive coordinator.
- Bill Belichick coaching record (2020-’23): 26-28
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It resulted in one of the NFL’s worst offenses in 2022, especially in critical situations. Jones regressed significantly and a rift developed between Belichick and the quarterback. After missing the playoffs, changes were made with Bill O’Brien taking over as offensive coordinator.
Despite hiring a proven NFL play-caller though, the Patriots’ offense is still below-average in nearly every statistical category. With New England plummeting down the NFL standing, speculation about Belichick’s future has begun.
During an appearance on WEEI Boston, Patriots’ reporter Tom E. Curran shared his belief that neither Jones nor Belichick will be with New England in two years. Asked about fans voting in a poll that they don’t think either Patriots’ figure will be with the team in a few years, Curran agreed.
“Yes. I do. The reason why is, contractual to an extent with Mac Jones. THe options were Mac and Bill our together, Bill no Mac, Mac no Bill, neither one’s here. To me, the likelihood is that Mac Jones gets to May and the Patriots decide, I think it’s a coinflip right now whether you pick up his fifth-year option. I honestly don’t…I still don’t think you know what he is because of what’s around him…I think there’s a 50-50 chance they pick up that fifth-year option…I think Bill Belichick has until next year, the end of next year, most likely scenario.”
Tom E. Curran on Bill Belichick and Mac Jones’ future with New England Patriots
- Mac Jones stats (2022-’23): 7-11 record, 83.8 QB rating, 19-15 TD-INT, 64.8% completion rate, 6.6 yards per attempt, 216.4 passing yards per game, 41 sacks
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While there are plenty of critics of Jones around the league, there is a shared belief that he hasn’t been put in a good situation. It’s part of the reason many NFL executives were skeptical of Jones having success in 2023. Even with O’Brien taking over as play-caller, New England’s pass protection and receiving corps are among the worst in the NFL.
As for Belichick, his decisions as de facto general manager are responsible for where the roster and coaching staff are. Since Tom Brady’s departure, New England’s offense has taken an alarming step back in every statistical category.
While Belichick is still well-respected as a head coach, his recent history of draft picks has led to the Patriots’ roster falling in the NFL hierarchy. With owner Robert Kraft unhappy with the results, it would not be a surprise if a change is eventually made.