New England Patriots Make Major Coaching Shakeup Ahead Of Draft

The New England Patriots have fired offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt after just one season, according to team sources. The surprise move comes less than two weeks before the 2026 NFL Draft, signaling potential major changes in the team's offensive strategy.

Head coach Jerod Mayo confirmed the decision late Friday afternoon, calling it "a philosophical difference" regarding the team's direction. Van Pelt had been hired last February to replace longtime coordinator Josh McDaniels, but the Patriots' offense ranked 25th in scoring during the 2025 season.

The timing has raised eyebrows across the league, with the draft set to begin April 28 in Detroit. New England holds the #3 overall pick and is widely expected to select a quarterback. Several analysts suggest the move indicates the Patriots may be preparing to implement a radically different offensive system.

Current quarterbacks coach T.C. McCartney will serve as interim offensive coordinator. The Patriots have already requested interviews with at least three external candidates, including former Bears OC Luke Getsy and University of Washington offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb.

Fan reaction has been mixed on social media, with some praising the team's willingness to make changes and others questioning the instability. The Patriots finished 7-10 last season, missing the playoffs for the third time in four years since Tom Brady's departure.

This marks the first major personnel decision by Mayo, who took over last year after Bill Belichick's departure. Team owner Robert Kraft has reportedly been pushing for more offensive firepower to compete in the increasingly high-scoring AFC East.

The Patriots currently have $42 million in cap space and nine draft picks, including four in the top 75. All eyes will now be on whether they use their premium draft capital on a franchise quarterback or trade down for additional assets.

League sources indicate the coaching search could move quickly, with the team hoping to have a new coordinator in place before rookie minicamp begins May 12. The Patriots' offseason program officially starts April 24 at Gillette Stadium.