Dec 17, 2023; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick shakes hands with Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) after a game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
Most of the Kansas City Chiefs wide receivers have not performed well for Patrick Mahomes, but according to the latest rumors, the two-time NFL MVP isn’t going to give up on this underperforming group. In other news, Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur spoke about the future of defensive coordinator Joe Barry, while Chargers team president John Spanos talked about the hiring process for their next head coach.
NFL Rumors: Patrick Mahomes, Joe Barry, Chargers Head Coach
Matt LaFleur Stands By Joe Barry
The Green Bay Packers just allowed Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield to have quite literally the greatest game any visiting quarterback has ever had at Lambeau Field. Leading an upset victory, the former first-overall pick completed 22 of his 28 passes for 381 yards, four touchdowns, no interceptions, and a perfect 158.3 passer rating.
Mayfield has had a strong season, but performances like this are enough to get coaches fired. Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator Joe Barry has drawn the ire of fans for multiple seasons now, as his defenses rarely perform up to the sum of the individual talent. However, according to head coach Matt LaFleur, Barry will stick around for at least the remainder of the season.
“If I thought [firing Barry] was the best solution today, then we’d make that decision,” LaFleur said, via Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com. “But when you’re having basic communication problems…It starts with myself, and it goes to all our other assistant coaches. So obviously the coaching wasn’t up to the standard and our performance on the field definitely showed that as well.”
While LaFleur’s quote ensures Barry will remain with the 2023 Packers, this isn’t the biggest vote of confidence. Chances are, the defensive coordinator will have the end of the season to fix the team’s communication issues. If he can’t get it done, LaFleur will find someone that can.
John Spanos: “Added Bonus” If Coaches Have Previous Head Coaching Experience
The Los Angeles Chargers fired Brandon Staley and are already starting the search for their next coach. Historically speaking, the Chargers have preferred to hire first-time coaches, but that might not be the case this time around.
Speaking to reporters, Chargers team president John Spanos talked about what he preferred in a head coaching candidate. While he said it wasn’t an “end-all”, Spanos noted that it would be “an added bonus if someone does have previous head coach experience.”
The obvious connection here is Bill Belichick. After an unprecedented run of success, New England’s longtime head coach and general manager is in the midst of his worst season. The Patriots are currently 3-11 and it appears as though coach and team will part ways at the end of the season. Seeing as the Chargers also need a general manager, Belichick could take over both roles and try to replicate his dynasty with Justin Herbert on the west coast.
Patrick Mahomes Trying to Build Confidence In Wide Receivers
Outside of rookie Rashee Rice, the Kansas City Chiefs wide receivers have left a lot to be desired this season. However, despite the struggles, quarterback Patrick Mahomes isn’t going to give up or isolate any of his teammates, and it’s not just rumors. These quotes are taken from Mahomes himself during a recent press conference.
“You will never be able to eliminate [drops] completely. All you can do is work at it, and the guys know that I’m going to keep firing the ball. That’s just who I am. I’m gonna keep firing the ball to the open guy and letting them go out there and try to make plays…the guys gotta have the confidence to know that I’m gonna keep throwing it back to them and they gotta make the plays happen.”
This is a good answer from a franchise quarterback and leader, but nobody would blame Mahomes if he started to phase certain players out of the offense. Last week alone, Kadarius Toney turned an easy reception into an interception, and Skyy Moore would have lost a fumble had it not been for an unrelated defensive holding penalty. Moore is done for the season, and nobody would be surprised if Toney doesn’t see the field as much down the stretch. For the time being, Rice and star tight end Travis Kelce are the only reliable options in the offense.
Main Photo: Eric Canha – USA Today Sports
