Patriots Rumors: When Veterans ‘Lost Faith’ In Leadership

Many Patriots players were shocked to learn Jerod Mayo wouldn’t return after one season, but it doesn’t seem like everyone in the locker room believed in the former head coach.

Mayo was fired hours after New England’s Week 18 win over the Buffalo Bills, which cost it the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. It was an understandable decision given the Patriots’ 4-13 record, but there was a somber mood after the announcement.

However, not all players bought into Mayo and the top brass’ message.

“I lost faith we were headed in the right direction,” a veteran told Mike Giardi on the Boston Sports Journal. “When? ‘In the spring.’ Why? ‘Felt like he — they — were making it up as they went along. It was amazing how one day it would be this and then the next, something completely different.'”

That’s not the strongest endorsement of Mayo despite public comments defending the 38-year-old. Those issues in the spring or summer showed up on the field in the fall.

“It became more about looking myself in the mirror and the guys in my room and huddle and saying ‘I’m leaving it out here for you.’ Because I never believed we had an edge (in coaching),” another veteran told Giardi.

That dysfunction might have played a part in Mayo’s firing. Robert Kraft cited multiple other reasons for him to make his decision. And it will be something for the Patriots owner to keep in mind as he searches for his replacement.