Patriots Coach Likely Entering Final Game with New England on Sunday
By Cem Yolbulan
The New England Patriots are 3-13 for the season, and the only positive thing about their disappointing campaign is the fact that they are in line to get the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. They are wrapping up their season against the Buffalo Bills at Gillette Stadium and most Pats fans will hope that the team doesn't win their season finale to jeopardize their draft pick.
Despite the underwhelming campaign, head coach Jerod Mayo is expected to return for another season. The rest of the coaching staff, however, may not be as fortunate. Offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt's seat may be especially warm.
Van Pelt was hired as the offensive coordinator before the 2024 season. The Patriots offense under him lacked dynamism and creativity all season. They scored the third-fewest points in the NFL and rank as the worst offensive unit in the league per Pro Football Focus.
In all fairness to Van Pelt, he has arguably not done a worse job than Mayo or defensive coordinator DeMarcus Covington. Considering that he has one of the worst offensive lines in the NFL, a rookie quarterback, and a very underwhelming wide receiver corps, it's hard to expect more from Van Pelt. In fact, how well Drake Maye has developed under him could be considered a success.
At the same time, the writing seems to be on the wall for Van Pelt. The front office is behind Jerod Mayo, and Mayo is behind Covington. They will be retaining their positions, so the only feasible change in the coaching staff has to be Van Pelt.
It may be unfair scapegoating but it looks like Van Pelt may be the odd man out in Foxborough in the offseason.
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