Another busy offseason for the New England Patriots has begun as four candidates have been interviewed for the head coaching vacancy following the firing of Jerod Mayo.

Then, attention will turn to the roster as the Patriots hold the No. 4 overall pick and a projected league-most salary cap space.

For anything not covered on Pats Pulpit throughout the week, let’s take a look in this week’s Sunday edition of Patriots Notes.

Wolf’s say

When the Patriots fired Jerod Mayo roughly 90 minutes after the regular season finale, the rest of the organization was put on notice. That included the personnel department headed by Executive Vice President of Player Personnel Eliot Wolf.

For now, however, Wolf and his staff is staying on — the exact words used by Patriots owner Robert Kraft, who also threw belief behind Wolf’s grading system in the process.

“I think that the department evolved a lot, and a lot of things were changed. We changed our grading system this year and have done things,” Kraft said Monday.

“Our drafts have not been good for a while. If you want to compete long term and be good in this league, you’ve got to have good drafts because those rookie contracts allow you to go out and get the people you need to surround people. It looks like we lucked out; we maybe have two quarterbacks. But I think we’ll hopefully see a big improvement this year.”

But changes could still be coming. Once New England signs the papers with their next head coach, he will have significant say in who populates the personnel department.

“We’ll wait until we bring that coach in,” Kraft said. “Obviously, he’s going to have big input on who the players are and who the coaches are. It’ll be his decision.”

That swings the focus back to Wolf, who is one of four known individuals — joining Kraft, his son Jonathan, and Wolf’s first personnel hire last offseason Alonzo Highsmith — to sit in on these head coaching interviews.

After just having one year of being in control of the roster, would Wolf be up for an arrangement where a new head coach brings own his own lead personnel man?

Reports have indicated he might be, but if not, could that affect the head coach search that Wolf apparently has a say in? Would Wolf support a candidate that potentially brings someone in to replace him?

The situation is not unique, as the Atlanta Falcons dealt with a similar situation in their pursuit of Bill Belichick last offseason. While Falcons owner Arthur Blank reportedly supported the idea of hiring Belichick as his next head coach, Chief Executive Officer Rich McKay was against the move due to the possibility that Belichick eventually takes over control of the roster — potentially leading to McKay and general manager Terry Fontenot’s dismissal.

If Wolf sees things similarly to McKay, it could alter who he throws his support behind in the hiring process.

Weighing the two expected top candidates, it wouldn’t be a surprise if Wolf, who has primarily worked with offensive coaches in his past stops, throws his support behind Ben Johnson in the Patriots pursuit.

The two have never worked together but have a preexisting relationship — perhaps leading to a dynamic that they can work together, something the Krafts are specifically looking for.

On the other hand, the favorite for the job, Mike Vrabel, is seemed more likely to enter his next destination with his own lead personnel figure. Perhaps Wolf is then open for a different role without final say on the roster, but his presence looms as does decision time.

Maye’s appeal

“On Drake, a big part of the reason why I want to come back and why I want to play is him. I want to get the chance to play with him,” said David Andrews, who suffered a season-ending injury in Week 4 before Maye took over, at locker clean out.

“I think he gives you a chance for success. Also to get to play with him — the bond you get with playing with people, especially the quarterback-center, is awesome. And I love that part of the game… It’s a special bond, especially when you go through those times with the locker room with the guys. Those are friendships that will last forever.”

Coaches praise

With Pro Bowl and NFL All-Pro honors announced, two Patriots received recognition. Special teamer Brenden Schooler was the team’s lone Pro Bowler while earning first-team AP All-Pro honors in addition to NFLPA first-team recognition for the second straight year. Coordinator Jeremy Springer took to X to congratulate Schooler, whom he called the ultimate teammate and competitor.

After being snubbed for the Pro Bowl, cornerback Christian Gonzalez received recognition by being name to the AP All-Pro second-team — behind Pat Surtain II, Derek Stingley Jr. and Marlon Humphrey.

“What an accomplishment in your second year, proud of all the work you put in!!!,” cornerbacks coach Mike Pellegrino shared on Instagram. “Best in the game, some other people just don’t know yet… they will!!!”

Line rank

Pro Football Focus released their end of season offensive line rankings which saw the Patriots finish right where they started: last.

The Patriots’ offensive line held this ranking from start to finish; they were projected to be the worst offensive line in football and failed to defy expectations. Sixteen players logged snaps for the Patriots’ unit, and only three earned PFF overall grades above 60.0 in 2024.

New England’s front five earned an 80.1 PFF pass-blocking efficiency rating, which ranked 31st in the NFL. The group allowed 222 pressures — including 33 sacks — on 641 pass plays.

While the Patriots will hope David Andrews returns next season and for some internal development from young players like Layden Robinson, Caedan Wallace, and Cole Strange, the ranking highlights the biggest need for the team this offseason.

Welker watch?

Former Patriots wide receiver Wes Welker was relieved of his duties on Friday as the Miami Dolphins wide receivers coach/pass game specialist. Since his playing days were over, Welker has been coaching wide receivers for the past six years with the Dolphins and San Francisco 49ers.

His coaching career started in 2017 as an offensive and special teams assistant with the Houston Texans, where he was on a staff with Mike Vrabel. With the Patriots offensive staff undergoing a remodel in the upcoming weeks, Welker could be a logical choice to upgrade at wide receivers coach.

Watson’s injury impact

After suffering a torn achilles in Week 7 and undergoing surgery back in October, Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson underwent a second surgery on Thursday after suffering a re-rupture.

Watson’s 2025 season being in jeopardy could have a trickle down on the Patriots, who hold the fourth overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, as the Browns sit two spots ahead of them with the No. 2 pick. Cleveland picking a quarterback there would be helpful for the Patriots as one of the top positional players (Travis Hunter, Abdul Carter) could slide.

London trip

After playing in London last season, a trip back across the pond is again a possibility for the Patriots this season as the NFL announced that the Jets, Browns and Jaguars will host games in London next season.

It could be a long shot in division, but a potential Patriots vs. Jets game could take place overseas. New England’s matchup against Cleveland next year is at Gillette Stadium.

Setting up the week ahead

With four head coaching interviews completed and no other currently on the schedule, the Patriots could make an official announcement at any moment.

In that case it would likely be Vrabel, as the team can not officially hire Ben Johnson until the Lions are eliminated from the playoffs (in addition to holding a face-to-face interview with him unless it’s during the Super Bowl bye week).

If the Patriots do make their choice on the next head coach, a press conference will likely be held at Gillette Stadium within the following days.