The tone is shifting on the job security of Patriots first-year head coach Jerod Mayo.

In a segment on ESPN’s “NFL Countdown,” NFL insider Adam Schefter said he believes the organization is “leaning” towards firing Mayo.

“Now, all along the Kraft family has wanted to stand by him and give him support,” Schefter said. ”He was the hand-chosen successor to Bill Belichick. But over the last 30 days or so, the team has struggled, they’ve lost at home, fans have been angered, they’ve been apathetic and it feels like within the organization, there’s been a shift. There’s nervous people inside the building right now and we are going to go leaning out right now for Jerod Mayo.”

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Team owner Robert Kraft, likely in partnership with president Jonathan Kraft, would decide any decision on Mayo’s job status

The Patriots are 3-13 under Mayo this season and are set to take on Bills backups in their season finale at Gillette Stadium.

Mayo and other coaches have said they’re playing this game to win, despite the fact that a loss would result in them losing hold of the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.

In last week’s loss to the Chargers, the Stadium was only about half full, and those in attendance booed the Patriots while a group of fans chanted “fire Mayo” multiple times late in the game.

The Patriots put a clause in Mayo’s contract while he was still linebackers coach that he would succeed former head coach Bill Belichick. The Patriots fired Belichick after he went 4-13 in his final season in 2023.

Players have publicly stated their support for Mayo, but those behind the scenes have described a poor culture with a lack of leadership devoid of demanding and decisive decision-makers to the Herald.

Mayo, his players, and staff have made multiple media gaffes this season that haven’t gone away with added experience.

Former Patriots linebacker Mike Vrabel is expected to be one of the top head-coaching candidates on the open market. He’s already interviewed with the Patriots’ AFC East-rival Jets.

Not only would Vrabel provide the Patriots’ with a more experienced and stable head coach, he also comes with stronger connections around the league to provide a team with better coordinators and assistants.