The New England Patriots appear to be on the cusp of making a controversial addition to new head coach Jerod Mayo's coaching staff in Ben McAdoo.
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According to Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated, the Patriots are close to adding former New York Giants head coach Ben McAdoo as an offensive coach.
The Patriots are in talks to add ex-Giants coach Ben McAdoo to their offensive staff, per sources. He’s likely to play an assistant head coach type of role, and help OC Alex Van Pelt on that side of the ball.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) February 3, 2024
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It isn't uncommon for organizations to pair a rookie head coach, such as Mayo, with a veteran coordinator or assistant to lean on in terms of game-planning and experience as they go through their first season running a program. Likewise, as Breer points out, McAdoo could play an active role alongside offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt in terms of preparing for opponents each week.
However, McAdoo's prior head coaching tenure with the Giants leaves a lot to be desired.
McAdoo was fired by the Giants after just 28 games, posting a 13-15 record over that span, with one postseason appearance. New York moved on from McAdoo in the aftermath of him benching quarterback Eli Manning, in favor of Geno Smith, in a move that angered the fan base and many of the organization's former players.
The decision to bench Manning came amid a disastrous season that saw McAdoo and the Giants limp out to an 0-5 start to the 2017 season.
During his career, McAdoo also has spent time on the Saints, 49ers, Packers, Jaguars, Cowboys, and was most recently as former head coach Matt Rhule's offensive coordinator with the Carolina Panthers during the 2022 season.
Owners of the No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, the Patriots are likely to target a potential franchise quarterback of the future, and McAdoo's past experience working with young quarterbacks could prove valuable.
The Patriots promoted Mayo to head coach on Jan. 12, after mutually parting ways with former six-time Super Bowl winning head coach Bill Belichick.
