New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft opened up about his decision to fire Jerod Mayo, stating, "This whole situation is on me." Following a disappointing 4-13 finish in the season, Kraft expressed regret for placing Mayo in an "untenable situation" just minutes after the team concluded its campaign with a victory over the Buffalo Bills, which ultimately affected their chances to secure the top pick in the upcoming NFL Draft (AP News).

Kraft emphasized that the firing was not due to the recent victory but rather stemmed from Mayo's regression throughout the season. According to Kraft, after an optimistic start, the team’s performance fell off, leading him to question Mayo's readiness for the head coach role after only one season. "I know he has all the tools as a head coach to be successful in this league. He just needed more time before taking the job," Kraft elaborated (USA Today).

As part of the organization's efforts to correct course, Kraft plans to expedite the search for Mayo's successor, looking for a candidate capable of revitalizing the franchise that has experienced significant turmoil since Bill Belichick's departure. "I don't want to go through this next year. And we’re going to do what we’ve got to do to fix it," Kraft stated during a press conference. This coaching position offers significant appeal as the team possesses the fourth overall pick in the draft and over $130 million in salary cap space, the highest in the league.

Current players expressed shock at Mayo's departure, highlighting the respect he garnered within the team. Defensive tackle Deatrich Wise commented, "Everybody is upset about his departure. We all respected Jerod Mayo. Held him in high regard." Another teammate emphasized the need for collective accountability among players and coaching staff to ensure future success.

Kraft confirmed that key executives such as Eliot Wolf would remain in their roles, underscoring a commitment to stability amidst the upheaval. As the team embarks on this critical search, names like Mike Vrabel, a former player and Tennessee Titans head coach, are already circulating as potential candidates.

The Patriots are aiming to regain their competitive edge and return to the championship level that characterized the franchise for over two decades.