Vince Wilfork, a retired nose tackle and former New England Patriots player, has joined the chorus of criticism against the team’s decision to fire head coach Jerod Mayo after just one season. Wilfork, who played alongside Mayo during his time with the Patriots, expressed his disappointment and frustration with the team’s handling of the situation.
“I think it was BS to pull that,” Wilfork said in a recent interview. “And knowing Jerod personally, I know the conversations. I know what it is. It’s just hard to fathom, but that’s the business when you deal with certain people. I think it was unfair” ¹.
Wilfork’s comments echo those of other former Patriots players, including Rob Gronkowski and Logan Ryan, who have also spoken out against the team’s decision to fire Mayo. Gronkowski, in particular, has been vocal about his support for Mayo, stating that he was “unfairly” fired and never had the chance to develop as a head coach ².
The Patriots’ decision to fire Mayo after just one season has raised eyebrows around the NFL, with many questioning the team’s commitment to its coaches and players. Mayo, who was hired as the team’s head coach in 2023, was given a roster that many considered to be lacking in talent, and was ultimately unable to turn the team’s fortunes around.
Despite the challenges he faced, Mayo has received widespread praise for his leadership and coaching abilities, and many believe that he deserved more time to develop as a head coach. Wilfork, for one, is adamant that Mayo was not given a fair chance to succeed.
“So what do you think Mayo was going to do with the same people Bill Belichick brought in?” Wilfork asked rhetorically. “Mayo’s the one who found the future quarterback in Drake Maye. It’s just unfortunate. But it’s part of the game, part of the business” ³.
The Patriots’ decision to hire Mike Vrabel as Mayo’s replacement has also raised some eyebrows, with some questioning whether Vrabel was always the team’s preferred choice. Wilfork, however, has praised Vrabel as a coach and a person, stating that he is “phenomenal” and the “best coach I would have got” ¹.
Despite his praise for Vrabel, Wilfork remains critical of the team’s decision to fire Mayo, and believes that it was unfair to the former head coach. As the Patriots look to move forward with Vrabel at the helm, it remains to be seen how the team will respond to the criticism from its former players.
Rob Gronkowski: Stated that Mayo was “unfairly” fired and never had the chance to develop as a head coach ².
Logan Ryan: Publicly criticized the team’s decision to fire Mayo, stating that it was unfair and that Mayo deserved more time to develop as a head coach.
Vince Wilfork: Joined the chorus of criticism against the team’s decision to fire Mayo, stating that it was “BS” and that Mayo deserved more time to develop as a head coach ¹.
