Mac Jones entered the NFL with enormous expectations after an outstanding college career at Alabama and a first-round selection by the New England Patriots. After an encouraging rookie season, many believed the young quarterback was positioned to become the franchise’s long-term answer under legendary head coach Bill Belichick.
Instead, Jones’ career in New England quickly took an unexpected turn. His development stalled, his relationship with the coaching staff reportedly became strained, and he eventually lost his starting role before moving on from the organization.
Now serving as the backup quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers, Jones recently reflected on that difficult period during an appearance on the Bussin’ With The Boys podcast. Looking back, he identified one coaching change that he believes significantly altered the course of his Patriots career.
According to Jones, the departure of longtime offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels marked the beginning of the problems that ultimately prevented him from building on the momentum of his successful rookie campaign.
1. McDaniels’ Departure Changed Everything
Jones explained that losing McDaniels after his first NFL season had a major impact on both his confidence and his development as a young quarterback. He believed continuity within the offensive system would have allowed him to continue improving after a promising first year.
Instead, McDaniels accepted the head coaching position with the Las Vegas Raiders, forcing New England to make significant changes to its offensive coaching staff. Jones said that transition disrupted the progress he expected to make entering his second season.
As the offseason continued, Jones sensed that his relationship with Belichick was beginning to change. He recalled feeling that the two never fully connected during organized team activities, creating an uncomfortable atmosphere before the season even began.
At the time, Jones was only entering his second year in the league and felt he lacked the experience to challenge decisions or speak openly about his concerns. Rather than attempting to change the situation, he focused on doing his job while recognizing that the circumstances were becoming increasingly difficult.
2. A Relationship That Never Recovered
Jones admitted he could see warning signs early in the process as communication became more challenging. He recalled veteran backup quarterback Brian Hoyer providing support while both players recognized that the situation was moving in the wrong direction.
Although Jones stopped short of placing blame solely on Belichick, he acknowledged that the relationship never developed the way he had hoped. Without the continuity provided by McDaniels, he felt it became increasingly difficult to establish stability within the offense.
The struggles eventually affected both Jones and the Patriots. What began as a promising partnership following his rookie season gradually unraveled as inconsistent performances and coaching changes created uncertainty throughout the organization.
Looking back, Jones believes the lack of offensive continuity was one of the biggest factors that prevented him from reaching the level many expected after his impressive debut season. He suggested that maintaining the same coaching structure could have produced a very different outcome.
3. Fresh Starts Benefit Both Sides
Since leaving New England, Jones has worked to rebuild his career in new environments. After spending time with the Jacksonville Jaguars, where he started seven games and earned two victories during the 2025 season, he later joined the San Francisco 49ers.
Learning under head coach Kyle Shanahan has provided another opportunity to continue developing as a quarterback. Jones has established himself as one of the league’s more dependable backup options and made eight starts for San Francisco last season, helping the team secure five victories.
Meanwhile, the Patriots have also moved forward. The organization appears to have found its quarterback of the future in Drake Maye, while the return of Josh McDaniels has helped reshape New England’s offensive direction once again.
Although Jones’ tenure with the Patriots ultimately fell short of expectations, he now views that chapter with greater perspective. His comments suggest he believes circumstances, particularly the coaching transition following his rookie year, played a significant role in preventing what once looked like a promising partnership from reaching its full potential.