Coach Rob Gronkowski appears upset with the way the New England Patriots handled Jerod Mayo's first season as head coach, which ended with his firing Sunday after a win over the Buffalo Bills.
Mayo was hired last year to replace legendary head coach Bill Belichick, who saw the organization fall apart after six Super Bowls and two dynasties.
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New England Patriots head coach Jerrod Mayo looks at the scoreboard during a game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium on December 22, 2024 in Orchard Park, New York. (Mark Konezny-Imagn Images)
The Patriots struggled in Mayo's first season, finishing with 4 wins and 13 losses. However, Gronkowski expressed his belief that Mayo does not have enough time to develop as a head coach.
“I was shocked by that, and it was a shock to a lot of people that it happened so quickly,” he said on FOX. “I think all of us, especially here at the desk, were surprised by that. I think it was unfair to coach Jerod Mayo. He never had an opportunity to grow as a head coach.”
“He himself was just a rookie in that department. You really don't judge a coach on his first year.”
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Rob Gronkowski attends Fox Sports Media Day at the Phoenix Convention Center on February 7, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Kirby Lee-USA Today Sports)
Mayo and Gronkowski were teammates with the Patriots for several years.
The Patriots entered the season far from being playoff contenders. New England drafted rookie quarterback Drake Maye in the first round, but he didn't start until several weeks into the regular season.
New England finished 30th in points scored, 31st in yards allowed, and 22nd in points scored and yards allowed.
Patriots team owner Robert Kraft announced Mayo's decision after the Patriots' win.
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New England Patriots head coach Jerrod Mayo shakes hands with Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott on Sunday, January 5, 2025 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
“After the game, I informed Jerod Mayo that I would not be returning as head coach of the New England Patriots in 2025. For me personally, this was one of the most difficult decisions I have ever made,” Kraft said. he said in a statement. “Unfortunately, the team's performance throughout the season did not improve as much as I had expected.''
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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