Bill Belichick's replacement lasted just one season.
After going 4-13 in their first and only season, including a Week 18 win over the Buffalo Bills, who cost the team the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, fired head coach Jerod Mayo.
Patriots owner Robert Kraft confirmed reports of Mayo's firing in a lengthy statement, explaining that the front office will remain in place heading into the offseason.
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New England Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo addresses his players during the first half of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
“After today's game, I informed Jerod Mayo that I will not be returning as head coach of the New England Patriots in 2025. For me personally, this was one of the most difficult decisions I have ever made. '' Kraft said.
“I have known Jerrod for 17 years. He has inspired me throughout his career since his rookie year in 2008 with his play on the field, his leadership in the locker room, and the way he conducts himself in our community. “When he came in, I was afraid of losing him and was committed to making him our next head coach.” . ”
Kraft went on to say that this move is because he feels fans deserve a better product on the field going forward.
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“Since acquiring the team, I have always viewed myself and my family as stewards of public assets. We expect and deserve a better product than we have delivered in recent years. We have amazing fans,” Kraft's statement reads. “We apologize for that. We have reflected on what actions we can take to expedite our return to championship contention and have determined that this action is the best option at this time.”
After a 10-7 season in 2021, the Patriots are on the decline, going 8-9 in 2022 and 4-13 over the past two seasons.
This season, however, saw the first head coaching change since 2000, as the Patriots and Belichick parted ways after leading the team to six Super Bowl wins with Tom Brady.
New England Patriots head coach Jerrod Mayo speaks with quarterback Drake Mayo, 10, during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game on Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Orchard Park, New York. (AP Photo/Jean J. Pasker)
As Kraft points out, Mayo understands the Patriots' pedigree as both a player and a coach, and because he was already in the building and the players respected him, Belichick's The decision has been made to appoint Mr. Mayo as his successor.
But the Patriots also understand that Mayo is inheriting the least powerful roster in the NFL entering the 2024 season, with experts believing the projected 4.5 win total for the year will occur in Mayo's inaugural campaign. It reflected that.
But Kraft and the Patriots seem to feel the lack of talent on the roster isn't the only thing they need to improve for the 2025 season later this year.
Mayo made some interesting headlines throughout the year, including publicly calling his team underdogs after the team lost six straight in October. He also noted that the Patriots would “waste some cash” in free agency immediately after a head coach was named, and had to later edit that statement to say the team would handle cap room wisely. There wasn't.
But Mayo played to win even though quarterback Drake Maye, the team's No. 3 overall pick in 2024, handed over the reins to backup Joe Milton III, who had a breakout game in Week 18.
New England Patriots head coach Jerrod Mayo listens to reporters' questions during an NFL football postgame press conference on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
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The Patriots won 23-16 as Milton completed 22-of-29 for 241 yards and a touchdown pass to Kyshon Boutte, who finished with 117 yards through the air. In a game where the Bills rested most of their starting pitchers, Milton ran for a touchdown himself.
However, with this win, the Patriots lost the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft, which was taken over by the Tennessee Titans. The Patriots will select fourth overall, behind the Cleveland Browns and New York Giants.
Ahead of the head coaching search, former Patriot and veteran head coach Mike Vrabel has already been floated as a potential candidate for the Patriots to replace Mayo.
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