The Patriots fired their rookie head coach after a disappointing 2024 season.
The winds of change are blowing through the New England Patriots organization, and the mood in the Gillette Stadium locker room on Monday reflected that. One day after the firing of head coach Jerod Mayo was announced, players were in for a final team meeting — run by the front office staff — and for clearing out their lockers.
Along the way, multiple Patriots were available to talk to the media. Needless to say, the biggest topic on everybody’s mind was the firing of the team’s head coach less than 24 hours before.
“It’s a hard day,” said center David Andrews. “It’s part of our business, and obviously no matter what it’s always hard at the end of the year. You know it’s not going to be the same. Obviously, there’s a lot to figure out and we’ll move on to ‘25. That’s all we can do.”
The team captain, who missed most of the season with a shoulder injury, also expressed his gratitude toward his now-former head coach.
“I appreciate Jerod for giving me the opportunity to come back and play, and giving me the opportunity to play next year, and supporting me through this year,” Andrews said. “It’s a tough business. He’s not new to the business; he understands that. I appreciate everything he did for me, and help and support he gave me this year.”
One of the most experienced players on the Patriots roster, Andrews and other multi-year veterans will now have to play under three head coaches in three years.
Mayo was promoted to the position last January, succeeding long-time Patriots head coach Bill Belichick. Less than one calendar year later, a yet-to-be-hired successor will have to take over the team and get it back on track after two straight 4-13 campaigns.
Despite New England’s struggles in 2024, a significant portion of players appeared to have Mayo’s back throughout the season — and beyond his firing, too.
“Everybody’s upset at his departure. We all respected Jerod Mayo, held him in high regards. He did a lot for us this year. He was a great leader, fantastic person and coach. We are all sad to see him go,” said defensive lineman Deatrich Wise Jr.
“He meant everything. He was a great leader, a great coach, a great friend. He was pretty much consistent every single day. Brought great energy, motivated everybody, inspired everybody in the building to better. I felt like every time he came into the room he brought a light and a good energy.”
In addition, Wise Jr. expressed unhappiness about the speed of Mayo’s departure. He was fired within two hours of the season finale against the Buffalo Bills, robbing players of an opportunity to bid farewell.
The decision itself, however, was not openly criticized by players. Instead, they deflected to ownership.
“Jerod is a great person, a great leader, a guy you can talk to on and off the field. Of course you feel for a guy like this,” said defensive tackle Davon Godchaux. “It’s tough when somebody gets axed, but I’m not in control. Nobody in this locker room is in control. It’s tough.”
“I love Jerod. I loved playing for him. None of us have a say on that,” added cornerback Christian Gonzalez. “They made the decision and we have to just cherish the moments we had with him, and hope the best for him, and move on as an organization.”
