VFL Jerod Mayo fired after one season as New England head coach
Following a disappointing 2024 campaign, New England Patriots Chairman and CEO Robert Kraft fired head coach Jerod Mayo. The former Tennessee All-SEC linebacker spent his entire professional career with the Patriots, playing for eight seasons and being a part of the caching staff since 2019.
“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’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 at Cincinnati only strengthened my convictions. Unfortunately, the trajectory of our team’s performances throughout the season did not ascend as I had hoped.”
Mayo was relieved of his duties after just one season as he was charged with replacing legendary head coach Bill Belichick following the 2023 season. New England finished the season with a 4-13 overall record but won on Sunday 23-16 over the Buffalo Bills with former Tennessee quarterback Joe Milton dazzling in his NFL debut.
“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,” Kraft wrote. “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.”
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A two-time Pro Bowler, Mayo was named NFL Defensive Rookie of the year in 2008 and was a First-Team All-Pro in 2010. Mayo won a Super Bowl as a player in 2014 and eld the NFL in tackles in 2010. He spent five seasons as the team’s inside linebackers coach before taking over as head coach.
Statement from Robert Kraft on the firing of Jerod Mayo: pic.twitter.com/0KBQZfGrIV
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 5, 2025
“I am grateful for Jerod’s many contributions to the New England Patriots throughout his career and will always be rooting for his success,” the statement concluded. “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.”
New England defeated the Cincinnati Bengals in week one but struggled thereafter, finishing in last place in the AFC East.
