New England Patriots abruptly fire Jerod Mayo after Week 18 victory
- Jerod Mayo was fired as head coach of the New England Patriots after a single season.
- The team finished with a disappointing 3-14 record, losing 13 of their next 15 games after an initial victory.
- Owner Robert Kraft stated the decision was difficult but necessary to improve the team's future performance.
In the United States, on January 6, 2025, the New England Patriots announced the firing of head coach Jerod Mayo just after the conclusion of the 2024 NFL season. The Patriots finished the year with a 3-14 record, which was characterized by consistent struggles on both offense and defense. Mayo had previously been the team's inside linebackers coach for several years before his promotion to head coach, taking over the role from Bill Belichick, a legendary figure with six Super Bowl titles. The season started with a surprising win over the Cincinnati Bengals, but quickly spiraled downward as the team dropped 13 of their next 15 games. Despite a season-ending victory over the Buffalo Bills, which they hoped might indicate a change in momentum, the win ultimately complicated their standing in the upcoming draft by moving them out of the first overall pick. Throughout the season, Mayo faced criticism for his approach to building the team's identity, particularly after he labeled the roster as