Patriots fire Jerod Mayo after final win loses franchise No. 1 pick in 2025 NFL Draft

Fox News Flash top sports headlines are here. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com.

Bill Belichick's replacement has lasted just one season. 

The New England Patriots have fired first-year head coach Jerod Mayo after going 4-13 in his first and only season, including a Week 18 win over the Buffalo Bills which lost the franchise the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. 

Patriots owner Robert Kraft confirmed the reports of Mayo’s firing in a lengthy statement where he explained the front office will remain intact heading into the offseason. 

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

New England Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo calls to his players during the first half of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024, in Foxborough, Mass.  (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)

"After the game today, I informed Jerod Mayo that he will not be returning as the head coach of the New England Patriots in 2025. For me, personally, this was one of the hardest decisions I have ever made," Kraft said. 

"I have known Jerod for 17 years. He earned my respect and admiration as a rookie in 2008 and throughout his career for his play on the field, his leadership in the locker room and the way he conducted himself in our community. When he joined our coaching staff, his leadership was even more evidence, as I saw how the players responded to him. When other teams started requesting to interview him, I feared I would lose him and committed to making him our next head coach."

Kraft went on to say that the move comes as he feels the fans deserve a better product on the field moving forward. 

2024 NFL PLAYOFF PICTURE: BUCS GRAB LAST NFC BERTH; FINAL AFC SPOT UP FOR GRABS

"Since buying the team, I have