The New England Patriots fired coach Jerod Mayo on Sunday evening, one season after promoting him to replace Bill Belichick.
Mayo’s dismissal came after New England’s 23-16 win over the Buffalo Bills on the final day of the regular season, giving the Patriots a 4-13 finish on their third straight losing campaign.
“After today’s game, I informed Jarod Mayo that he will not be returning as head coach of the New England Patriots in 2025,” owner Robert Kraft said in a statement.
“Personally, this has been one of the most difficult decisions I have ever made. I have known Jerod for 17 years. He has earned my respect and admiration for his play and leadership on the field as a rookie in 2008 and throughout his career. Locker Room Esau’s actions and the way he conducts himself in our community.
“His leadership became even more evident when he joined our coaching staff and seeing how the players reacted to him.
“When other teams started asking to interview him, I was afraid of losing him and vowed to make him my next coach. Winning the season opener in Cincinnati only strengthened my belief.
“Unfortunately, our team’s performance throughout the season did not improve as much as I had hoped.”
Mayo previously spent eight seasons as a player with the Patriots, during which time they won a Super Bowl in the 2014 season.
He eventually returned in 2019 and joined Belichick’s staff as inside linebackers coach, asserting himself as one of the most highly regarded defensive minds in football.
His popularity has made him a leading candidate to take over from Belichick at the end of his time in Foxboro. That moment came after the Patriots moved on from Belichick after nine Super Bowl victories and six wins in 24 seasons in charge, leading to a 4-13 record in 2023.
At age 37, he began the season as the second-youngest coach in the NFL, behind Seattle’s Mike McDonald.
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“I appreciate Jerod’s many contributions to the New England Patriots throughout his career and will always root for his success,” Kraft added.
“I appreciate all his hard work and hope the experience gained will serve him well in the future as I still believe he will be a successful manager in this league. I wish Jerod and his family every success in the future.”
The difficult season included an encouraging sign from rookie quarterback Drake Maye. His performance could allow the Patriots to prioritize other positions in the NFL Draft if they choose.
New England opened the campaign with a win over the Cincinnati Bengals, but then lost six straight, including a loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars in London, after which Mayo said his team It divided critics by suggesting a “soft” play.
After suffering an overtime loss to the Tennessee Titans, the Patriots won two of their next three games against the New York Jets and Chicago Bears, then suffered another six-game losing streak, including a 40-7 blowout loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. Late December.
Mayo’s exit comes as Mike Vrabel’s name re-enters the league-wide pool of managerial candidates. The former Tennessee Titans coach won three Super Bowls during his career in New England.
