New England Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)
Winning is hard in the NFL, but it can also be costly. And today, the Patriots win over Buffalo might have cost Jerod Mayo his job. After the Patriots beat the Bills today 23-16 they finished the season at 4-13 on the year and are currently last in the division. However, the biggest outcome of all was this win cost the Patriots the first pick in next year’s draft.
Had the Patriots lost, no matter what else happened the rest of the afternoon, the Patriots would have been locked in drafting first overall, they now sit at number four with two other 4-win teams still playing today. This was enough for Robert Kraft to pull the plug on his head coach who he hired just one year ago.
Statement from Patriots Chairman and CEO Robert Kraft
“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. 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.”
“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.”
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