Where Patriots Landed On ESPN’s NFL Coaching Power Rankings

The Patriots have one of the NFL's weakest rosters, which is the main reason why oddsmakers forecast a very long season in New England.

Average to inferior talent often can exceed expectations due to great coaching. But unfortunately for the Foxboro Faithful, the Patriots might be in the cellar of that department as well.

ESPN on Thursday published a power ranking of all 32 coaching staffs. New England checked in at No. 30, ahead of only the Washington Commanders and the Las Vegas Raiders.

Ben Solak is "betting on" Jerod Mayo, but the NFL writer couldn't ignore the uncertainties of the first-year head coach. Solak pointed out how Mayo only has had three jobs in the league -- one of them being linebacker -- and reported to Bill Belichick from his rookie season in 2008 up until January.

Solak is particularly concerned about Mayo's ability to hire. The NFL scribe noted how Alex Van Pelt had stints with five other teams before arriving in New England and didn't last very long in his previous offensive coordinator roles. Van Pelt currently is being tasked with running an offense bereft of elite talent that will eventually be led by the franchise's highest-drafted quarterback since 1993.

So, it's not only Patriots players who have something to prove this season. Virtually every member of the coaching staff faces a similar challenge.