Former Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski was “shocked” by the Patriots' decision to fire head coach Jerod Mayo on Sunday, shortly after the regular season ended.
Gronkowski was unable to hide his emotions as he made somewhat critical comments about Patriots owner Robert Kraft's decisions during Fox's halftime show.
“That shocked me.” Gronkowski said. During the show. “It was shocking to a lot of people, especially at this desk, that it was going to happen so soon. We were all surprised by that. I think it was unfair to coach Jerrod Mayo. I mean. , he has the opportunity to grow as a head coach. He wasn't. He was a rookie in the department himself. You don't really judge a coach by his first year. Jimmie Johnson, you went 1-15 in your first year. Then we won some Super Bowls.”
Gronkowski played nine seasons with the Patriots, winning four Super Bowl titles with the team, and was a teammate of Mayo for six of those seasons. That may explain Gronkowski's somewhat passionate reaction.
The Patriots announced this decision after the team won the final game of the season against the Bills.
Mayo was at the helm in New England for just one year, leading the team to a 4-13 record, but Gronkowski clearly feels justified in ending his coaching tenure so quickly. I felt that it was not.
In another corner of the studio, Gronkowski softened his tone a bit, hinting that Kraft may have plans, while also saying that Mike Vrabel could be at the top of the Patriots' coaching wish list. There were also rumors that there was one.
“I was surprised by that,” Gronkowski said of the decision on a separate Fox halftime show. “A new head coach. The roster that was handed to him wasn't all that impressive. It's tough, it's tough in New England. Obviously, Mr. Kraft is not as culture-building as Jerrod Mayo was hoping for last season. I thought he was not a person.
And clearly Mr. Kraft has plans for the future. They're probably hoping to get Mike Vrabel. There are also rumors that Josh McDaniels may return as offensive coordinator. ”
Mayo replaced legendary head coach Bill Belichick after he left the organization after the 2023 season.
