Patriots owner Robert Kraft has fired head coach Jerod Mayo after one season, citing a regression in performance and a lack of progress despite a promising start. Kraft acknowledged it was an easy decision but necessary to bring the team back to success.
Mayo’s tenure was marked by struggles with the media and on-field performance, including a significant decline in the team’s defensive unit. Despite a notable win against the Bills earlier this season, Kraft felt it wasn’t enough to keep Mayo as coach.
Kraft emphasized that his role is not just about making personal decisions but ensuring the franchise serves its community. He described himself as a “custodian” of the Patriots and felt obligated to make tough choices for the team’s long-term success.
The organization will now focus on hiring a new coach, with former Patriots linebacker Mike Vrabel reportedly in the running. However, Kraft plans to wait until he has seen everyone before making an official decision.
The team still needs to address its talent gap and will likely rely on general manager Eliot Wolf and senior personnel executive Alonzo Highsmith to help find solutions. With quarterback Drake Maye as a promising asset, the Patriots aim to get it right with their next coaching hire.
Source: https://www.nfl.com/news/patriots-owner-robert-kraft-explains-jerod-mayo-firing-i-felt-we-regressed