“Patriot Way Is Dead & Gone”: Jerod Mayo’s Firing Sparks Super Bowl Champ’s Scathing Rant at Robert Kraft’s Franchise

Funny how fast the tables turn in the NFL, right? One day, you’re polishing Lombardi trophies, and the next, you’re staring at the draft board by Thanksgiving. Patriots fans know this heartbreak better than anyone. Ever since Tom Brady and Bill Belichick left town, it feels like the Midas touch hit the road with them. Now, with the Patriots firmly planted at the bottom of the AFC East, there’s no comeback to daydream about—just offseason regrets and what-ifs. And to top it off, the Jerod Mayo experiment didn’t even survive the wreckage. Foxborough’s in for a long winter.

In a recent ESPN interview, former NFL Chris Canty backed up Jerod. “Mayo wasn’t given a fair shot. Head coaches have to develop, they have to grow into the role. What you’re asking Mayo to do is impossible without the right pieces in place.” Canty’s words reflect what many others are saying about firing Mayo after one season, especially with a roster that needed a lot of work, was premature. It’s a decision that’s left many baffled. 

Patriots got a disappointing record of 4-13 this season. Team owner Robert Kraft made the controversial decision to fire Mayo on Sunday. The Patriots’ struggles made the move expected, but it sparked questions about why Kraft didn’t give Jerod Mayo one more chance to grow into the role. After all, Kraft personally handpicked Mayo to succeed Belichick, and he was one of their own. Less than a year after taking the job, Mayo’s tenure ended in a no-nonsense decision by the owner.

Jerod Mayo entered the battlefield with insufficient ammunition. Tasked with leading a squad that had little to no margin for error, he faced the challenge of managing a roster lacking talent and a quarterback still learning the ropes. Expectations were unfair, and the fact that Mayo couldn’t turn it around quickly enough only highlights the organizational struggles the Patriots are facing. To expect Mayo to work miracles under such conditions was unrealistic at best. 

Now, with Jerod Mayo gone, who’s next in line?

The Hunt for the next head coach has begun. The team may have been through a nightmare, but the right coach can shake things up a notch. Several names are on the table to take over New England’s helm. Mike Vrabel is the name that keeps popping up. A former Patriot player with three Super Bowl rings, Vrabel’s time in Tennessee as head coach has proven he’s capable of leading a team, even with a limited roster. Remember when the Titans knocked the Patriots out of the playoffs in 2020? That wasn’t just a lucky day, that was Vrabel out-scheming his old mentor, Bill Belichick.

Another coach to watch is Ben Johnson, the mastermind behind the Detroit Lions’ offense. Over the last three years, he has transformed the Lions into a Super Bowl contender. He’s the mastermind behind Jared Goff’s resurgence. Currently, the Lions are at the summit of NFC North and it’s all thanks to the creative vision of Ben. Then, there’s Kliff Kingsbury, bringing his offensive mindset, NFL coaching experience, and a connection to the Patriots, who drafted him in 2003. His offensive mindset makes him a wild card worth considering. Sure, hiring Kingsbury might feel like a gamble, but sometimes, you gotta risk it to fix it.

There are many strong names in the consideration, but the real question is whether a new head coach is the only answer to the Patriots’ performance. The path ahead for the Patriots is unclear. Despite having the pieces for a potential comeback, the Patriots must make the right choice in their next head coach. If they’re serious about turning things around, they can’t afford another misstep. The clock is ticking, and the right hire could change everything.