Despite reports that Jerod Mayo could be fired depending on the outcome of the final four games of the season, the New England Patriots first-year head coach's job is reportedly safe.

Per Dianna Russini of The Athletic, Patriots owner Robert Kraft "has privately assured those close to him" that New England is "committed" to giving Mayo "the time and resources he needs to grow into the role."

According to Russini, the Patriots hired Mayo with the understanding that the transition "wouldn't be seamless." Mayo, who took over for legendary coach Bill Belichick, has led New England to a 3-10 season thus far and has a handful of tough matchups to close out the year.

While Mayo's first year hasn't had the results he and Kraft hoped for, there have been a handful of positives to take away, namely the performance of rookie quarterback Drake Maye.

In nine games, Maye has recorded 1,696 passing yards, 11 touchdowns and eight interceptions along with 345 rushing yards and a touchdown on the ground.

With Maye showing the potential to be the Patriots' next franchise quarterback, the team sticking with Mayo would simultaneously allow him to develop more as a coach while bringing a sense of consistency to New England.

Mayo won a Super Bowl with the Patriots as a player and has been on staff since 2019. His first year at the helm has yielded little success, but he could ultimately be the best option to eventually lead New England back to being a Super Bowl contender.