Inside the aircraft that caused Jerod Mayo’s coaching career to end: Why he lost his job with the Patriots because he played cards
Jerod Mayo’s tenure as head coach of the New England Patriots was marked by a series of challenges and decisions that ultimately led to his dismissal after just one season. A particularly notable incident occurred following a 30-17 loss to the Arizona Cardinals in Week 15. During the flight back to New England, Mayo chose to sit with his players, engaging in card games, rather than joining his coaching staff to review game footage—a departure from the traditional approach taken by his predecessor, Bill Belichick.
This behavior was perceived by some within the organization as indicative of Mayo’s attempt to establish a more relaxed, player-friendly atmosphere, contrasting sharply with Belichick’s disciplined and analytical style. While fostering strong relationships with players is essential, Mayo’s approach raised concerns about his commitment to the rigorous demands of head coaching responsibilities. A team source commented on the incident, stating, “Look, there are a lot of ways to do the job. It’s not that Jerod’s was definitely wrong. But I can’t say I’ve seen that before.”
Beyond this incident, Mayo’s season was fraught with other challenges. He faced difficulties in media interactions, including having to retract several statements about the team’s performance and management. For instance, Mayo labeled his team as “soft” and made comments perceived as critical of his offensive coordinator, which he later had to walk back.
Additionally, Mayo’s decision to demote Steve Belichick, Bill Belichick’s son, from his role as the defensive play-caller, appointing DeMarcus Covington instead, led to internal friction. Steve Belichick declined a lesser role offered by Mayo and subsequently joined the University of Washington as their defensive coordinator.
Patriots owner Robert Kraft acknowledged his role in Mayo’s premature appointment, expressing regret and taking responsibility for the situation. Kraft stated, “This whole situation is on me. I feel terrible for Jerod because I put him in an untenable situation. I know that he has all the tools as a head coach to be successful in this league, he just needed more time before taking the job.”
In the aftermath of Mayo’s dismissal, the Patriots have initiated their search for a new head coach. Former Titans head coach Mike Vrabel has emerged as a potential candidate, with reports indicating that he is set to interview with the team. The organization has also faced criticism for allegedly attempting to circumvent the Rooney Rule by interviewing minority candidates who are not viewed as serious contenders for the head coaching position.
