The Patriots may be limited with their options in this Week 18 finale against the Buffalo Bills, as their top defensive player (cornerback Christian Gonzalez) is in concussion protocol, and their top offensive player (rookie quarterback Drake Maye) was limited in practice on Wednesday.

If the Patriots retain Mayo, what might their offseason look like? And what staff changes — likely the coordinators — would be needed?

After leaving Drake Maye in the game against the Chargers, maybe Patriots coach Jerod Mayo doesn’t deserve a second year.

A Buffalo team locked into the AFC’s No. 2 seed could throw a wrench in any New England hopes of obtaining the 2025 top pick, and Mayo coaching for a win to help ensure he returns will work against the Pats — through a long-term lens, at least — Sunday as well. The Vrabel matter will loom through that game or until Kraft confirms Mayo will return.

I think Jerod Mayo will be back for a second season.

There are still two games left on the regular season schedule, but New England Patriots coach Jerod Mayo was willing to fast forward to some of the looming decisions awaiting him in the offseason. Mayo touched on the subject of potential future staff changes with the player personnel and coaches.

The Patriots already knew who their next head coach would be. Owner Robert Kraft had put into writing a succession plan that detailed how Jerod Mayo would take over. It meant the Patriots didn’t have to conduct a formal search the way the league requires with multiple interviews that follow the NFL’s Rooney Rule.

The New England Patriots have not had a great first season under first-year head coach Jerod Mayo. New England is 3-13 heading into Week 18 and is currently in position for the first overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Even before the New England Patriots fell to 3-13 on the season, numerous whispers suggested that Patriots owner Robert Kraft and team president Jonathan Kraft could replace first-year head coach Jerod Mayo with former Patriots player and one-time Associated Press Coach of the Year Award winner Mike Vrabel in January.