Football fans around New England probably don't have any idea who Phil Longo is, but Patriots rookie quarterback Drake Maye sure does.

Longo, the recently fired offensive coordinator of the Wisconsin Badgers, served as Maye's coordinator during his breakout sophomore campaign at North Carolina. Maye threw for a school record in passing yards and ranked first in the ACC in passing touchdowns in Longo's 2022 offense.

Longo is now without a job after two struggled-filled campaigns in Wisconsin.

Should the Patriots want to cater to Maye, they have an opportunity to do so. They could bring Longo in as some sort of advisor or consultant as they continue to develop their biggest asset.

This isn't to say Longo should replace Patriots offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt, senior offensive assistant Ben McAdoo or even quarterbacks coach T.C. McCartney. It's midway through the season and the staff hasn't done anything to prompt such a change. The addition of Longo simply would serve as an addition to that group.

Van Pelt and company deserve credit for developing Maye thus far, as expressed by Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo and Maye himself. The third overall pick has made noticeable strides with his footwork, ability to read defenses and handle pressure, etc.

Maye put together arguably his best performance in a Week 11 loss to the Los Angeles Rams, his sixth start of the season. Maye's on-field traits and overall makeup make Maye look like a franchise signal-caller, perhaps even a top (insert number here) quarterback down the road.

Learning more about concepts and designs which worked well for Maye during his breakout season wouldn't hurt, though. And if nothing else it serves as another indication the Patriots are all-in on the rookie.