Although the Jerod Mayo era in New England feels like it's been over for a long time, it was only a little less than two months ago that Patriots owner Robert Kraft abruptly decided that the first-time head coach would not get a second season. It was not an entirely unexpected move, given how poorly the team performed during the 2024 season, but the timing of the dismissal became more of the talking point in the weeks since.
Not only that, but Kraft decided not to see his hiring through more than one year, which is generally what owners will allow new head coaches since their first years are generally not the most successful. Many believed that would be the case with Mayo because Kraft handpicked him as Bill Belichick's successor.
However, Kraft made it clear that his patience was wearing thin, hence the quick move to fire Mayo, which didn't sit right with many Patriots players, some of whom are still sharing their feelings on the matter even now.
Christian Gonzalez says what many Patriots fans have been thinking about Jerod Mayo's firing
We might be full steam ahead into the Mike Vrabel era in Foxboro, a hire that most Patriots fans seem to agree was a good move, but that doesn't mean Patriots players aren't still reflecting upon the 2024 season and all that came with a difficult year.
That includes Mayo's firing, which cornerback Christian Gonzalez commented on recently during an appearance on the "Frat Rules Podcast" last week.
Christian Gonzalez on the #Patriots’ coaching changes:
— Carlos A. Lopez (@LosTalksPats) February 19, 2025
“I did [like Jerod Mayo as a coach]. I did. I think they did him a little dirty giving him only one year. But, it’s business… We gon’ see what [Mike Vrabel] do… They damn near cleaned house.”
(🎥 Frat Rules Podcast) pic.twitter.com/2SwkxBBVFx
Related: Patriots star reveals Jerod Mayo's biggest weakness that held the team back
Gonzalez saying this out loud in a public space is quite a big deal considering how well-liked he is in the organization, and it's likely that his feelings on the matter are reflected in the locker room, even those who haven't spoken about Mayo's firing.
Most fans and reporters thought the decision to let him go after one year seemed obvious, but Kraft's action within an hour of the final game of a year that ended with players still in the locker room didn't sit well with anyone, and clearly not the team.
Before Mayo became the head coach for the 2024 season, he was a well-respected figure on the coaching staff and expected to be a future head coach for a team in the league. That was voiced by several players on the Patriots roster and many of his former teammates, which is another reason many expressed frustration with how his situation was handled.
The hope is that things will be better under Vrabel and that we won't have to deal with another new head coach for the fourth year in a row. Given that he already has head coaching experience and former players advocate for the kind of coach he is, it's difficult to imagine his return to Foxboro won't go smoothly.