What Jerod Mayo said about his job reportedly being safe
Mayo said he can't control what happens at the end of the year.
Patriots owner Robert Kraft has not said much publicly about Jerod Mayo’s future, and questions about the first-year coach’s job security continue to swirl in the aftermath of another loss and press conference gaffe.
But behind the scenes, according to The Athletic’s Dianna Russini, Kraft has said he is committed to giving Mayo the time he needs to develop as a coach.
“While there hasn’t been a public vote of confidence for the head coach from the Kraft family, Patriots leadership is standing by Mayo,” Russini wrote. “Just as discussions about the next NFL hiring cycles heat up, team owner Robert Kraft has privately assured those close to him that he’s committed to giving his first-year head coach the time and resources he needs to grow into the role.”
Mayo was asked about the report on Wednesday before practice.
“I’m not sure where that story came from,” Mayo said. “Look, I have multiple conversations on a daily basis with ownership, and they’ve always been supportive.”
Mayo said he has not been given an assurance that he will be back next year.
“No, again, for me this week, my focus is on this game, the Bills here, today,” Mayo said. “Things that happen at the end of the season, I can’t control those things, so it’s all about the Bills.”
Kraft has been on record saying that he handpicked Mayo to be Bill Belichick’s successor years ago. Given that, he would have to feel pretty strongly to fire Mayo after just one season. Mayo was a two-time Pro Bowler who spent his entire playing career with the franchise. The relationship has lasted long beyond Mayo’s playing days.
But, it has been a dreadful season. The Patriots are 3-11, and on pace to secure another top-5 pick in the NFL Draft. New England has the second-lowest scoring offense in the league. The defense is also in the bottom third of the league in points and yards allowed.
Despite the struggles, the Patriots have three games left and Mayo is one win away from tying Belichick’s win total (4) from last season. That record, along with a host of other reasons, played a role in getting the man who is arguably the greatest coach in the history of the game fired.
Mayo said his comments were not an attempt to shut down speculation about his future.
“Well, I’m not trying to squash anything,” Mayo said. “I’m trying to let you know where my focus is, and it’s on the Bills. I understand the question.”
Two of the Patriots’ next three games are against the Bills. New England split the series with Buffalo last year. How these Patriots finish out the year depends a lot on how they deal with Josh Allen.
“As always, on Wednesday, we talk about changing the page,” Mayo said. “That was the message to the players. Everything we do, everything we talk about, our focus should be on the Buffalo Bills. Talking about the Bills, it starts with the quarterback. He’s playing at an unbelievable level right now.”
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