Patriots staff fares poorly in ESPN’s ranking of top coaches

Jerod Mayo and the Patriots’ revamped coaching staff face a steep climb next season.

Not only does Mayo have the unenviable task of replacing a coaching legend in Bill Belichick, but the Patriots are likely looking at a multi-year rebuild — with several glaring holes in their roster that likely won’t be filled this season.

Given the many question marks surrounding the Patriots’ roster and the lack of experience on New England’s coaching staff, ESPN ranked the Patriots 30th out of 32 NFL teams in the network’s coaches rankings.

Only the Las Vegas Raiders (32nd) and Washington Commanders (31st) are ranked lower than New England.

Certainly, ESPN’s Ben Solak has praised Mayo and his potential as a head coach, as well as first-year defensive coordinator DeMarcus Covington.

“I’m betting on Mayo,” Solak said. “I don’t think it’s a coincidence that the Patriots kept him in the building as Belichick’s presumptive successor — they probably know they have a great defensive mind who brings a new breath of personality to the helm. … This defensive coaching staff, which retained Mayo and DeMarcus Covington from last year’s group, will put another great defense on the field.”

However, the offense remains the biggest question mark in Foxborough, with Solak raising concerns about new offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt and his ability to get the most out of rookie QB Drake Maye.

“Offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt has been coaching in the NFL since 2006,” Solak noted. “The Patriots are the sixth team he’s worked for, and this will be his third attempt as an offensive coordinator. He’s as established as they come.”

“That’s not necessarily a bad thing, of course — Van Pelt has a quarterback-friendly offense, which helps both Jacoby Brissett (who played for Van Pelt in Cleveland) and rookie quarterback Drake Maye — but it’s also not a good thing. New offensive coordinators like Ryan Grubb, Brad Idzik or Klint Kubiak are much more likely than Van Pelt to come up with inventive ideas.”

The first test for Mayo and Van Pelt this season will be who starts Week 1 at center for New England — with both coaches still evaluating Maye and Jacoby Brissett ahead of Sunday’s preseason finale against the Commanders.