Never ever underestimate what just getting older can do to a coach. At some point, even the BEST coaches just don't want to deal with people that have questions. This includes players AND coaches. Like I've said elsewhere.... basically, by 2022, UNLESS it had worked out beautifully, the hiring Patricia and Judge represented either 1) incredible stupidity to think these guys could handle running a capable NFL offense or 2) stunning arrogance to think that anybody can coach up an offense.
I also love how people are acting like Mac couldn't have improved over the years. Like first year Brady was anywhere near as physical as he became over the ensuing years. That is to say, that with solid coaching, some things can be improved, including arm power. And bringing up that Bills game... look at how Brady performed against the Dolphins in Miami, or Manning against the Patriots... there are some teams, some situations that can catch a QB offguard. Hell, Brady had several games where you could be forgiven for thinking he had finally fell off the cliff.
I'm not saying Mac was going to be the next big thing, what I am saying is that thanks to that mindblowingly disastrous decision, we never had a chance to TRULY figure it out.