The Patriots have to avoid becoming a revolving door of head coaching hires because of the devastating impact that could have on the team as a whole. It could hurt quarterback Drake Maye’s development, while also making the team a far less attractive destination for prospective coaches and players.

Mayo is not the first coach-in-waiting turned one-and-done, and signs point to Robert Kraft wanting a power coach once again.

The 2024 Patriots suffered through two six-game losing streaks, and one of their four wins came against the Bills’ backups in a game Buffalo showed no interest in winning. That season-ending victory did more harm than good for New England, as it knocked the Patriots from first to fourth in the 2025 NFL Draft order.