Rob Gronkowski reacts to Patriots firing Jerod Mayo, reveals intriguing potential reunion on coaching staff

Rob Gronkowski admitted Sunday that he wasn’t expecting the decision from the New England Patriots to fire coach Jerod Mayo. The former tight end who won three Super Bowls with the Patriots reacted to the news during FOX’s halftime show of a game between the Miami Dolphins and New York Jets.

Mayo, who is also a former Patriots player, spent only one season as the head coach but was also a linebackers coach with the team from 2019-23. The Patriots finished the season with a 4-13 record, even ending the year with a 23-16 victory against the Buffalo Bills.

“I was surprised by that,” Gronkowski said. “Rookie head coach. The roster that he was handed wasn’t that prominent. It’s tough. It’s a tough situation in New England. Obviously, Mr. (Robert) Kraft didn’t see Jerod Mayo as that culture builder that he was hoping to be last season and obviously Mr. Kraft has a plan as well going forward.”

Additionally, Gronkowski revealed interesting names to watch out for as additions to the coaching staff.

“Probably hoping to get Mike Vrabel,” he said. “There’s some rumblings out there as well that Josh McDaniels may come back 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

Mayo was the replacement for Bill Belichick, who was the head coach of New England from 2000-23. Belichick and the Patriots mutually agreed to part ways after they finished with a 4-13 record last season as well.

Many expressed surprise at the news and felt that Mayo wasn’t given a full chance to show what he can accomplish. The team had already been trending in a downward direction the past few seasons under Belichick and has a 32-51 overall record since quarterback Tom Brady left the team in 2020.

Regardless, the Patriots have decided to move on to new leadership after giving Mayo only 17 games to prove himself. Team owner Robert Kraft released a statement explaining the decision.

“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. 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.”