The New England Patriots are making waves with their strategic shift, starting with the recent shakeup at the head coaching position. After parting ways with Jerod Mayo, they seem poised to bring Liam Coen on board to lead the squad. This move comes on the heels of a challenging season where Drake Maye, drafted second overall in 2024, was left wanting in a team that didn’t fully capitalize on his potential. Mayo, a coach with a defensive inclination, struggled to piece together an offense that could support the budding quarterback.
Enter Liam Coen, potentially taking the helm with an impressive track record from his time as the offensive coordinator with the Buccaneers. Coen’s offensive acumen has been on full display, guiding Tampa Bay to an impressive third place in yards per game, averaging a robust 399.6. Under his watchful eye, Baker Mayfield soared to new heights, boasting 4,279 passing yards and 35 touchdowns—a personal best season for the quarterback.
Mayo’s brief tenure with the Patriots, marked by a 4-13 record, underscored the need for a leadership change. His dismissal comes as little surprise given the team’s performance under his tutelage. The offense seemed to struggle under the pressure, literally, ending the season with a pressure rate of 30.5%, the second highest in the league, stifling any offensive momentum Maye might have needed to thrive. With this backdrop, the Patriots are eyeing the future with Coen at the helm, potentially utilizing their 4th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft to select a player who can change the offensive dynamic.
Looking ahead, the Patriots could well benefit from securing Tetairoa McMillan to give Maye a top-tier target in the receiving corps. Such an addition could be pivotal, granting Coen the tools needed to craft a formidable offensive unit. Yet, without further roster enhancements, particularly along the offensive line and at wide receiver, any progress might be incremental. Their leading receiver, Hunter Henry, capped off the season with 674 yards, highlighting the need for additional playmakers.
If the Patriots arm Coen with the right pieces, 2025 could be a breakout year. While a Super Bowl run might be a stretch at this point, penciling them in for a 9-8 season seems attainable. With the right blends of talent and strategy, the Patriots could reinvent themselves as a competitive force once again.
