The Patriots' 2024 season was expected to be rough, and it ended up being far worse than anyone expected. They weren't positioned to be a very competitive group, as they were projected to be in the midst of a multi-year rebuild, but winning just four games, with the last win over the Bills being a near shoo-in given they rested many of their starters, didn't provide much optimism for the future.
That inevitably led Robert Kraft to fire Jerod Mayo after Sunday's game and he stood in front of reporters on Monday to address the entire situation.
There was a lot to cover, with the Patriots owner opening the pressure with a written statement, and his immediate recognition of the unfathomable situation he put Mayo in was noteworthy and quite an admission.
Robert Kraft said the quiet part out loud and acknowledged what went wrong this season
Kraft took it further by emphasizing his belief that the former linebacker would be a solid head coach one day, but putting him in that position now was too soon, and he took the blame for how the season transpired.
Robert Kraft on the decision to move on from Head Coach Jerod Mayo. pic.twitter.com/zTADw2lrui
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) January 6, 2025
Because of his long history and relationship with Mayo, something he made sure everyone knew heading into the 2024 season, there wasn't much belief that Kraft would admit his wrongs regarding putting Mayo into a tough situation. So, he deserves some credit for openly acknowledging that when many others in his position would not.
Moving forward, he needs to take this as an essential lesson and be better about who he brings in next. The Patriots cannot afford to whiff on another head coach, much like they did with quarterbacks over the last few years, especially if he hopes they'll be competitive as soon as this fall.