Not long ago, Robert Kraft picked Jerod Mayo to fill Bill Belichick’s head-coaching shoes. In a surprising development, the New England Patriots have parted ways with Mayo after just one season at the helm. The decision was announced following the team’s disappointing 4-13 record in 2024 and has sparked a striking debate across the NFL community, with critiques like Super Bowl XLV champion Marshall Newhouse’s take.
Marshall Newhouse Shoots Straight at New England Patriots After Jerod Mayo’s Firing
Newhouse didn’t sugarcoat his opinions on Mayo’s early exit during an appearance on the “GoJo and Golic Show” with Mike Golic and Mike Golic Jr. His comments capture the essence of a broader sentiment that Mayo was thrust into an untenable situation. Taking over from a legendary coach like Belichick was a cumbersome task in itself, but Mayo also inherited a roster in transition.
“I think he was set up to fail,” Newhouse said. “I think they pulled the cord too fast. I also think he showed that he was a bit underwater for most of this season. There are things we are used to seeing winning football teams do that they were not doing.”
.@MNewhouse73 on the New England Patriots firing Jerod Mayo
"I think he was set up to fail. I think they pulled the cord too fast. I also think he showed that he was a bit underwater for most of this season. There are things we are used to seeing winning football teams do that… pic.twitter.com/EYR7DQtYgu
— GoJo and Golic (@GoJoandGolic) January 6, 2025
In fact, Newhouse had a point, as the team’s rookie quarterback Drake Maye faced typical growing pains, while the Patriots struggled with consistency across all phases of the game. The Patriots’ defense and offense earned grades of D on both Pro Football Network’s DEF+ and OFF+ rankings, entering Week 18.
Therefore, the 11-year veteran wasn’t mistaken in claiming that a single season was insufficient time for Mayo to implement his vision and address these challenges.
On the flip side, Newhouse’s acknowledgment that Mayo appeared “underwater” reflects another reality — the Patriots’ on-field performance lacked cohesion. Blown assignments and questionable in-game decisions marred it.
Mayo’s firing also heaped on a troubling trend in the NFL. He joins a growing list of coaches, which means 13 in the past 14 years, who were dismissed after just one season.
This “one-and-done” phenomenon raises questions about the league’s patience and the unrealistic expectations often placed on new head coaches. Mayo, who made history as the franchise’s first Black head coach, faced the dual burden of high expectations and a short leash.
The Patriots’ decision leaves their future direction unclear. Kraft again has two options: pursuing a seasoned coach to stabilize the team or gambling on another unproven candidate. Meanwhile, Mayo’s tenure could perhaps serve as a case study in the challenges of transitioning from a successful coordinator to head coach.