It has begun. The Black Monday NFL coach firings are underway. After the Cleveland Browns let go of their offensive lines coach and offensive coordinator, it was the New England Patriots’ turn. Even though he came onto the team amid much fanfare, Jerod Mayo lasted just one season in the driver’s seat as the head coach.
Now, the Patriots are going to be on the lookout for their second coach in as many years after ending things with Bill Belichick after the 2023 season. As the news came out into the social media ether, fans immediately jumped on it, with reactions pouring in.
Shocking Jerod Mayo Termination Has Fans Split
The opinions on the Mayo firing were split down the middle. While some were rejoicing, especially given the names of who could be next in line for the role, others believed the situation was wholly unfair. After all, Mayo had taken over a roster in shambles with a rookie QB.
But, for quite a few fans, it was the promise of Mike Vrabel, who was let go by the Tennessee Titans last season, that had them celebrating. A defensive-minded head coach and a true “culture setter,” reports suggest that Vrabel is the first name Robert Kraft is considering.
Thankfully, the fans were in on it, too. “Mike Vrabel is the next HC in New England. I’d bet my house on it,” one fan proclaimed.
Mike Vrabel is the next HC in New England
I’d bet my house on it
— The Let It Ride Podcast (@TheLetitRidePod) January 5, 2025
Others, however, were worried that a scenario “First Things First” host Nick Wright laid out might be coming true. While he got flack for his take at the time, Wright laid out a scenario where a Patriots team that really likes Shedeur Sanders as a prospect, gives up Drake Maye and Mayo to bring Sanders in along with his dad and Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders.
“Are they actually going to Trade Maye and Take Sheduer and hire Deion?”
Are they actually going to Trade Maye and Take sheduer and hire Deion?
— HTL Sports Betting (@HTL_Sports) January 5, 2025
But for others, the situation was far different. The team was in a clear state of rebuilding with one of the worst offensive lines in the entire league, allowing pressure at the third-highest rate. Moreover, they didn’t have any real weapons on that side of the ball either, leading to a 28th-ranked offense according to PFN’s offensive metric.
In such a scenario, firing the head coach after just one season felt unfair to many in the fan base. “Why would you hire a guy for a rebuild then fire him after 1 year?”
Why would you hire a guy for a rebuild then fire him after 1 year?
— Butto Wright 2025 (@Lindorcanwalk) January 5, 2025
“Guy handed the worst roster and a rookie QB in the league fired after one year. Make it make sense,” a fan quipped.
Guy handed the worst roster and a rookie QB in the league fired after one year. Make it make sense.
— Corey Hermanson (@CoreyHermanson) January 5, 2025
Others had a similar reaction, going all out on the franchise and management. “Truly embarrassed to be a patriots fan right now. He didn’t get a fair chance at all and the krafts really let the noise get so loud they fired him. For a former patriot player and great to be treated this way is ridiculous. Also as a black man, seeing another black coach fired.”
Truly embarrassed to be a patriots fan right now. He didn’t get a fair chance at all and the krafts really let the noise get so loud they fired him. For a former patriot player and great to be treated this way is ridiculous. Also as a black man, seeing another black coach fired😪
— Dev (@DevthaaDon97) January 5, 2025
Some believed the decision was a little presumptuous. To them, the sample size to judge Mayo was far too short. “Man he wasn’t given enough time to know if he is a quality head coach. You gotta let him coach for 3 or 4 years.”
Man he wasn't given enough time to know if he is a quality head coach. You gotta let him coach for 3 or 4 years.
— #OnePride (@CubsLionsUGA) January 5, 2025
Even with a 4-13 record, there were quite a few positives to take away for the Patriots this season. Despite the quality of the roster, Maye shined in his limited time as a quarterback.
Even though he was ranked 20th among all quarterbacks according to PFN’s QB+ metric, it was second among all rookies behind the likely Offensive Rookie of the Year winner Jayden Daniels.
While the jury is still out for the internet on whether the decision was a good one for the Patriots, its finality isn’t up for debate. Now, it remains to be seen if it’s indeed Vrabel or Sanders as many theorized — or a new name entirely that takes up the New England head-coaching mantle.
A potential name to look out for might be Brian Flores from the Minnesota Vikings. While reports of Kevin O’Connell being on the move are making the rounds, Flores could be a name to monitor for the defense-loving Patriots.
An excellent schemer, he turned the Vikings into a stifling defensive juggernaut. According to PFN’s defensive metrics, they rank third in the entire league. As part of the Belichick coaching tree, it might be a return to old hunting grounds for him as well.