Patriots great Vince Wilfork says ‘BS’ Jerod Mayo firing was a’setup’

The New England Patriots, a team steeped in rich history and a legacy of winning, has recently been the center of controversy surrounding the firing of former linebacker coach Jerod Mayo. The move, which surprised many in the football world, has sparked debate among Patriots fans and analysts alike. Vince Wilfork, one of the most iconic figures in Patriots history and a key member of their defensive dominance during the 2000s and 2010s, weighed in on the situation, calling the firing of Mayo “BS” and suggesting that it was part of a larger setup orchestrated behind the scenes.

Wilfork’s comments have added fuel to the fire surrounding the Patriots’ coaching decisions, raising questions about the team’s internal dynamics, the future of the coaching staff, and the direction of the franchise under the leadership of Bill Belichick. Known for his outspoken nature and no-nonsense approach, Wilfork’s critique of the team’s handling of Mayo has led to broader discussions about whether the Patriots’ historic success can continue under the current structure.

In this article, we’ll delve into Wilfork’s comments regarding Jerod Mayo’s firing, explore the fallout from the decision, and analyze the potential implications for the Patriots’ future. We will also consider how Vince Wilfork’s career and perspective as a former player for the team may have shaped his viewpoint on the situation, and how it reflects the broader tensions within the organization.

Jerod Mayo’s Career with the Patriots: A Pillar of the Defense

Before analyzing the recent controversy, it is important to reflect on Jerod Mayo’s contributions to the New England Patriots. Mayo, a former first-round pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, quickly established himself as one of the premier linebackers in the league. He became the centerpiece of the Patriots’ defense during his playing career, known for his exceptional leadership, ability to read offenses, and physicality on the field. Mayo was not only a stellar linebacker but also served as a leader in the locker room, setting the tone for the team’s defense during one of the most successful periods in franchise history.

After retiring from the NFL in 2016, Mayo remained with the Patriots as an assistant coach, where his impact on the team continued to be felt. Under his guidance, New England’s linebackers showed growth, and Mayo quickly became one of the most respected figures on the coaching staff. His defensive knowledge, combined with his leadership abilities, made him a fan favorite and a key figure in the Patriots’ success during the early years of the 2020s.

Mayo’s coaching career reached new heights when he was promoted to defensive playcaller in 2021, becoming the first-ever linebacker in Patriots history to hold such a position. His ability to mentor young players, adapt to changing offensive schemes, and contribute to the development of New England’s defense was widely regarded as a sign of Mayo’s promising future in the coaching ranks.

The Shocking Firing of Jerod Mayo

Despite his success as a player and coach for the Patriots, Mayo’s future with the team took a sharp turn when he was unexpectedly fired in 2025. This move surprised both fans and analysts, as Mayo had been widely considered an integral part of the Patriots’ defensive strategy and a natural successor to Bill Belichick as the team’s head coach in the future. The firing seemed to come out of nowhere, and many within the organization and across the NFL questioned the decision.

Reports surrounding the firing suggest that there were internal disagreements regarding Mayo’s approach to coaching, particularly in the area of defensive game planning. Some insiders indicated that Mayo’s growing prominence within the team may have created tensions, as Belichick—the head coach and longtime defensive mastermind—was reportedly not comfortable with Mayo assuming too much control over the team’s defensive operations.

The fact that Mayo’s firing was sudden and seemingly without warning made it all the more jarring to the Patriots’ fanbase and to those who had followed his career with the team. Mayo had earned the trust of his players, and his departure created a leadership vacuum that many believed would be difficult to fill. The Patriots’ defensive struggles following Mayo’s exit only added to the perception that his departure was a major setback for the organization.

Vince Wilfork’s Outspoken Criticism: “BS” and a “Setup”

As a former leader of the Patriots’ defense, Vince Wilfork’s comments on the firing carry significant weight. Wilfork, a key figure in the Patriots’ three Super Bowl championships (XXXVI, XXXVIII, XXXIX), has long been a vocal advocate for the team, and he did not hold back when discussing the situation surrounding Mayo’s dismissal. In an interview shortly after the firing, Wilfork referred to the decision as “BS” and expressed his belief that the move was part of a larger “setup” orchestrated within the organization.

Wilfork’s frustration stemmed from what he perceived as an unfair treatment of a player-turned-coach who had been a loyal and important member of the team for years. The fact that Mayo had shown such promise as a coach only made the situation more puzzling to Wilfork, who argued that the firing was a betrayal of everything Mayo had contributed to the team.

In Wilfork’s eyes, the firing of Mayo was not just about a difference of opinion or a simple coaching change. He suggested that Mayo’s growing influence within the team had made him a target of those who may have felt threatened by his rise. Wilfork seemed to imply that the decision to fire Mayo was motivated by more than just football strategy—it was also about power dynamics and control within the organization.

For Wilfork, who had experienced his fair share of internal conflicts during his playing career, this firing represented a larger problem within the Patriots’ organization: a culture of secrecy, power struggles, and lack of transparency. Wilfork’s comments reflect a sense of disillusionment with the direction the team is headed, as well as a growing concern that the Patriots may be losing sight of the values that made them great.

The Fallout from Mayo’s Firing

The decision to fire Jerod Mayo has had wide-reaching consequences for the New England Patriots. While some have defended the move, arguing that it was necessary for the team’s future success, others have expressed concern about the impact on the organization’s culture and the defense’s performance.

The Patriots’ defense has shown signs of regression in recent years, and Mayo’s departure only deepened those concerns. Under his leadership, the team’s linebackers had excelled, and Mayo was widely considered a rising star in the coaching world. Losing such a talented and respected coach has created a significant void that the Patriots have struggled to fill. This is especially concerning given that the Patriots are currently in the midst of a rebuilding phase, and a solid, consistent defense will be essential to their long-term success.

The firing also raises questions about the internal dynamics at play within the team. Bill Belichick’s authority and influence over the Patriots’ coaching staff have always been unquestioned, but his ability to adapt to the evolving landscape of the NFL is being called into question by some. The firing of Mayo—someone with deep roots in the Patriots’ culture—suggests that Belichick may be struggling to balance the old guard with the need for fresh perspectives. The move could also signal a shift in the way Belichick manages his coaching staff and the team’s internal culture.

Moreover, the timing of the decision—after Mayo had helped lead a defensive resurgence in recent seasons—only adds to the sense of confusion and frustration surrounding the firing. Many believe that Mayo’s departure will make it even harder for the Patriots to remain competitive, especially as they face the growing dominance of teams in the AFC East.

Vince Wilfork’s Legacy and Perspective on the Situation

As a player who spent the majority of his career with the Patriots, Vince Wilfork has a unique perspective on the team’s operations and the internal dynamics of the locker room. Known for his leadership and commitment to the team, Wilfork has always been deeply invested in the success of the Patriots, even after his playing days ended.

Wilfork’s outspokenness on the firing of Jerod Mayo speaks to his sense of loyalty to the franchise and its players. As someone who was part of the Patriots’ dynasty, Wilfork understands the importance of maintaining a strong, unified locker room and preserving the team’s culture. From his perspective, the decision to let Mayo go seems to represent a larger failure within the organization, as it signals a lack of cohesion at the highest levels.

Wilfork’s comments also reflect the changing landscape of the Patriots’ future. The team is no longer the dominant force it once was, and the shift in leadership may be contributing to the growing uncertainty surrounding the team. For Wilfork, Mayo’s firing represents more than just a coaching change—it is indicative of a larger issue within the Patriots organization that could impact the team’s ability to succeed moving forward.

Looking Ahead: Can the Patriots Recover from Mayo’s Departure?

As the New England Patriots continue to grapple with the fallout from Jerod Mayo’s firing, the future of the team remains uncertain. The Patriots’ defense, which had shown promise under Mayo’s leadership, will need to find a new identity moving forward. Whether Bill Belichick can successfully replace Mayo and keep the defense on track remains to be seen, but the challenges ahead are clear.

For the Patriots’ franchise, this controversy represents another hurdle in a period of transition. With the Patriots in the midst of rebuilding, the firing of Jerod Mayo only adds to the uncertainty surrounding the team’s direction. As the team navigates these growing pains, it will be crucial for the organization to remain united and focused on the task at hand.

For Vince Wilfork, the decision to fire Mayo marks a painful chapter in the Patriots’ history, one that speaks to larger issues within the organization. Whether the Patriots can overcome this setback and continue to build a competitive team will depend on their ability to adapt, rebuild, and recapture the championship-winning culture that made them so successful for over two decades.