New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft admitted it was “one of the hardest decisions I have ever made” after firing head coach Jerod Mayo and apologized to fans for the team’s recent struggles.
Mayo was dismissed last night after the Patriots compiled a 4-13 record in his single season in charge.
He did go out on a high following a 23-16 victory over the Buffalo Bills, although that win saw the Patriots lose the number one pick in the 2025 draft and they will now go fourth.
“For me, personally, this was one of the hardest decisions I have ever made,” Kraft said. “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 at 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 return 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.”
Statement from Patriots Chairman and CEO Robert Kraft: https://t.co/2YgHtzzBHK pic.twitter.com/GMXGgd768x
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) January 5, 2025
Former Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel, who won three Super Bowls with the Patriots as a linebacker, is believed to be high on Kraft’s wishlist as Mayo’s replacement.
Ex-Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski thinks Vrabel is definitely in the mix.
He told Fox Sports: “Obviously, Mr Kraft didn’t see Jerod Mayo being that culture builder that he was hoping to be over that last season.
“Obviously, Mr Kraft has a plan as well going forward. He’s probably hoping to get Mike Vrabel. There’s some rumblings out there as well that Josh McDaniels may come back, as well, as offensive coordinator.”
“Obviously Mr Kraft didn’t see Jerod Mayo being that culture builder that he was hoping to be over the last season, and obviously Mr. Kraft has a plan as well going forward.” @RobGronkowski shares his thoughts on the Patriots parting ways with HC Jerod Mayo after one season pic.twitter.com/arQvt02M2p
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) January 5, 2025
