FOXBOROUGH, Mass. - The New England Patriots have officially fired head coach Jerod Mayo after just one disappointing season, marking the second time the franchise has had to search for a new leader since the departure of longtime head coach Bill Belichick.
This abrupt decision came shortly after the Patriots managed to secure their final win of the 2024 season against the Buffalo Bills, finishing with a dismal overall record of 4-13. The once-promising coach, who was handpicked by owner Robert Kraft to eventually succeed Belichick, now finds himself out of the job after leading what many considered one of the worst seasons the franchise has experienced.
Owner Kraft acknowledged the difficulty of the decision, stating, "After the game today, I informed Jerod Mayo he will not be returning as the head coach of the New England Patriots in 2025." He continued, expressing how challenging this move was for him personally, having known Mayo for 17 years and respected his contributions to the team during his playing career and initial coaching tenure.
Kraft also elaborated, saying, "Unfortunately, the trajectories of our team's performances throughout the season did not ascend as I had hoped." This evaluation highlights the stark reality the team faces as it endeavored to rebuild beyond the shadow of Belichick’s era.
With Mayo's exit, the focus swiftly turns to who will take over the reins of this storied franchise. For the Patriots, it's not just about finding the next person to lead; it's about revitalizing the team and finding the right match to develop rookie quarterback Drake Maye effectively.
Reports suggest the Patriots will conduct interviews under the guidelines of the Rooney Rule, which mandates the inclusion of minority candidates. Among the candidates at the top of the list is Mike Vrabel, the former head coach of the Tennessee Titans. With strong ties to the Patriots—having played for the team during their Super Bowl successes—Vrabel's coaching experience includes leading the Titans to considerable success, including multiple playoff appearances.
Vrabel's history complements the Patriots' search for stability and expertise. He amassed impressive coaching stats, finishing his time with the Titans with a record of 54-45, which also included leading Tennessee to the AFC Championship Game. Many insiders believe he would bring the discipline and toughness the Patriots need to restore their competitive edge.
Ben Johnson, the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions, also appears to be a highly coveted candidate. Under his guidance, the Lions have transformed their offense, turning Jared Goff and his supporting players indicative of his strong coaching prowess. Johnson's modern approach to the game would be beneficial for developing Maye and reinvigorate the team’s offensive schemes.
Brian Flores, the current defensive coordinator for the Minnesota Vikings and former Patriots assistant, merits consideration as well. Though his Miami Dolphins tenure produced mixed results, Flores has shown himself capable of molding strong defenses—ranking his Vikings among the top teams this season. His intimate knowledge of the Patriots’ legacy could serve to bridge the gap between the past and future directions of the franchise.
Another intriguing option is Kliff Kingsbury. The former head coach of the Arizona Cardinals has been working to restore his reputation as the offensive coordinator for the Washington Commanders. His previous relationships with high-performing quarterbacks could bode well for Maye's development.
While many familiar faces are being discussed, there are other names circulating as potential replacements, such as Aaron Glenn from Detroit, who has turned the Lions’ defense around, and Liam Coen, the Buccaneers’ offensive coordinator. Coen’s local ties and playoff experience provide him the credentials needed to impact the Patriots positively.
No matter who ends up leading the team, it is clear the pressure is on Kraft and the front office to not only find the right candidate but to make the most out of the opportunities available—including with abundance of salary cap space at their disposal. With the cap room and high draft pick, the coming months hold significant promise as New England embarks on this pivotal chapter of its history.
Time will tell how quickly the Patriots can regroup and rebound from this recent transition, but one thing is clear: the next head coach will need to set the right tone for the future and restore the glory of what was once the most dominant team in the NFL.