There was some genuine surprise, as many expressed support for Mayo. At the same time, they also seemed to understand the move after a 4-13 season.

The 2024 Patriots suffered through two six-game losing streaks, and one of their four wins came against the Bills’ backups in a game Buffalo showed no interest in winning. That season-ending victory did more harm than good for New England, as it knocked the Patriots from first to fourth in the 2025 NFL Draft order.

The way Jerod Mayo and his coaching staff handled the Patriots’ lose-by-winning season finale Sunday was the definition of a fireable offense.