The Patriots have fired head coach Jerod Mayo after one season at the helm of the team.
Mayo was the handpicked successor to Bill Belichick, with him staying at the helm of the team for just under 12 months.
New England improved to 4-13 with a final-day win over the Buffalo Bills that cost the team its top overall selection in this year’s NFL Draft.
The Patriots are locked into the No 4 selection in April’s draft by having the worst strength of schedule of the teams with 13 losses.
Mayo answered questions at a postgame press conference and was fired shortly after by team owner Robert Kraft. The former Patriot’s player was given the axe about an hour after the final whistle against Buffalo.
Kraft’s statement on Mayo’s was disseminated quickly after the pink slip was given, meaning the Patriots’ owner likely made the decision to fire his head coach before Sunday’s AFC East clash.
Jerod Mayo was fired by the New England Patriots about an hour after the team beat the Bills
Patriots owner Robert Kraft will begin his search for a third head coach in three seasons
‘After the game today, I informed Jerod Mato that he will not be returning as the head coach of the New England Patriots in 2025,’ Kraft’s statement read. ‘For me personally, this was one of the hardest decisions I have ever made. I have known Jerod for 17 years.’
‘He earned my respect and admiration as a rookie in 2008 and throughout his career for his play on the field, his leadership in the locker room and the way he conducted himself in our community.’
‘When he joined our coaching staff, his leadership was even more evident, as I saw how the players responded to him. When other teams started requesting to interview him, I feared I would lose him and committed to making him our next head coach.’
‘Winning our season-opener on the road in Cincinnati only strengthened my convictions. Unfortunately, the trajectory of our team’s performances throughout the season did not ascend as I had hoped.’
‘Since buying the team, I have always considered myself and my family as custodians of a public asset. We have tremendous fans who expect and deserve a better product than we have delivered in recent years. I apologize for that. I have given much thought and consideration as to what actions I can take to expedite our returning to championship contention and determined this move was the best option at this time’
‘I am grateful for Jerod’s many contributions to the New England Patriots throughout his career and will always be rooting for his success. I appreciate all his hard work and hope the experiences gained will help him in the future, as I still believe he will be a successful head coach in this league. I wish Jerod and his family nothing but success in the future.’
The leading candidate to replace Mayo is his former teammate Mike Vrabel, who was fired at the end of last season as the Tennessee Titans coach and has not been picked up by an NFL team since.
After 24 years with one head coach, the Patriots will now have their third coach in three seasons heading into the 2025 campaign.
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