After firing coach Jerod Mayo after just one season, New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft revealed details about his first year as head coach and the events that led to the decision.
The Patriots closed out the 2025 season with a win over the Buffalo Bills, but it was not enough for Kraft to want to retain Mayo. Kraft said it was one of the hardest decisions he had ever made, stating that the team’s performances did not improve as he had hoped.
Mayo, who was handpicked by Kraft to succeed Bill Belichick, had developed in the Patriots’ system as a player and as a linebackers coach. However, his coaching style did not seem to align with the “Patriots’ way.” Instead, he was criticized for attempting to differentiate himself too much from Belichick, which led to issues with discipline and player behavior.
In one incident, Mayo was reportedly more interested in playing cards with players on a plane ride after a loss to the Arizona Cardinals than reviewing film with the coaching staff. This behavior was seen as unusual and a deviation from the Patriots’ traditional approach.
Kraft shouldered much of the blame for Mayo’s struggles, stating that he put him in an untenable situation and that he needed more time before taking the job. He said, “This whole situation is on me. I feel terrible for Jerod. Because I put him in an untenable situation.”
