The Jerod Mayo era is already over in New England.
He was fired as the team’s head coach on Sunday after just one season in charge, the team announced.
The Patriots earlier in the day beat the Bills, 23-16, to move out of the No. 1 pick in the draft down to No. 4.
“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. 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 replaced Bill Belichick, who parted ways with the team after 24 iconic years in charge last season.
Under Mayo, though, the Patriots went just 4-13 this year.
Before taking over as head coach, Mayo served as linebackers coach from 2019-23.
He also starred with the team as a player from 2008-15, winning a Super Bowl, earning two Pro Bowl nods along with a First-team All-Pro honor.
Mayo was also the NFL’s Rookie of the Year in 2008 and has spent his entire career — as both a player and coach — with the Patriots.
“Since buying the team, I have always considered myself and my family as custodians of a public asset,” Kraft said. “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 the time.”
The Patriots figure to be an attractive destination for head coach candidates.
They notably have quarterback Drake Maye, who is coming off a promising rookie season after being selected with the No. 3 pick in last year’s draft.
And New England will also have over $130 million in cap space this offseason, along with the No. 4 pick in the draft.
Speculation has already begun that New England will hire former Titans coach Mike Vrabel, who played eight seasons with the franchise.
Mayo spoke to the media after Sunday’s game and was asked about his future, but he deflected the focus to the game and said that he would speak with team brass on Monday.
He didn’t even make it that far.
