Patriots announce puzzling decision

The New England Patriots moved quickly to fire head coach Jerod Mayo.

After the Patriots’ Week 18 victory over the Buffalo Bills, which knocked them out of consideration for the top overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Pats dumped Mayo after just one season at the helm.

This stunning decision comes after Patriots owner Robert Kraft revealed earlier this year that the team handpicked Mayo, a former Pro Bowl linebacker for the team, as legendary head coach Bill Belichick’s successor. But despite that, Kraft gave Mayo practically zero rope and room to improve upon one of the NFL’s worst teams.

New England confirmed the news that the team moved on from Mayo with a startling announcement, written by the owner Kraft.

Statement from Patriots Chairman and CEO Robert Kraft: https://t.co/2YgHtzzBHK pic.twitter.com/GMXGgd768x

— New England Patriots (@Patriots) January 5, 2025

“After the game today, I informed Jerod Mayo that he will not be returning as the head coach of the New England Patriots in 2025,” Kraft wrote in the statement. “For me, personally, this was one of the hardest decisions I have ever made.”

Kraft attempted to rationalize the quick trigger by saying the team’s trajectory “did not ascend as I had hoped.” He expressed gratitude towards Mayo for his contributions and appreciation for his hard work.

Though, one might argue that retaining him for longer than year would have done a good job showing appreciation.

The Patriots will likely go after Mike Vrabel to fill the vacancy. Still, it’s a stunning and puzzling decision by New England.

[New England Patriots on X]