James Atama
The New England Patriots dismissed head coach Jerod Mayo on Sunday after the team finished a disappointing 4-13 season. Mayo, 38, was in his first year as head coach, having taken over from the legendary Bill Belichick last season.
The decision came shortly after the Patriots secured a 23-16 victory over the Buffalo Bills, ending a six-game losing streak.
“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,” Patriots owner Robert Kraft said in a statement. “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. …
“Unfortunately, the trajectory of our team’s performances throughout the season did not ascend as I had hoped.”
Mayo won his debut against the Cincinnati Bengals but then saw his team lose six consecutive games. The Patriots managed to win two out of their next three games before falling into another six-game losing streak, which culminated in a humiliating 40-7 defeat to the Los Angeles Chargers.
Under Belichick, the Patriots won six Super Bowl titles but have now missed the playoffs for the third consecutive year. They haven’t won a playoff game since their Super Bowl victory following the 2018 season.
“We have tremendous fans who expect and deserve a better product than we have delivered in recent years,” Kraft said. “I apologize for that. I have given much thought and consideration as to what actions I can take to expedite our return to championship contention and determined this move was the best option at this time.”
Prior to becoming head coach, Mayo was the linebackers coach with the Patriots from 2019 to 2023. He was also a two-time Pro Bowl linebacker for New England, accumulating 802 tackles, 11 sacks, and three interceptions over 103 regular-season games from 2008 to 2015.
One potential candidate to consider for the head coaching position is Mike Vrabel, who posted a 54-45 record during his six seasons with the Tennessee Titans from 2018 to 2023. He led the Titans to three playoff appearances, including a trip to the AFC Championship Game in the 2019 season, where they lost to the Kansas City Chiefs. Vrabel, 49, is also a former Patriots player from 2001 to 2008, where he won three Super Bowl rings.
