Jerod Mayo intentionally carried out final act of defiance before ousting, NFL analyst suggests

Jerod Mayo's one-year coaching tenure with the New England Patriots drew to a close after he was fired on Sunday following a 4-13 season. Mayo was with the Patriots organization for six years, working as a linebackers coach before replacing Bill Belichick as head coach ahead of the 2024 season.

On Tuesday's edition of "Pro Football Talk," NFL analyst Mike Florio suggested Mayo "caught wind" of his fate before the Week 18 game. According to Florio, Mayo then did his best to win the game, thereby preventing the Patriots from getting the top pick in the draft.

"I wonder if Jerod Mayo caught wind of it," Florio said. "Robert Kraft said he didn't tell him before the game. I just wonder if he caught wind of it before the game because what a parting gift for Mr. Kraft. 'There goes your number-one overall pick next year. Bye bye. We went and beat the Bills.'" [00:02:45]

Of course, it wasn't the typical Josh Allen Bills that the Patriots defeated. Rather, it was a borderline preseason game with backups playing for the Bills and starters playing for the Patriots.

Exploring potential landing spots for Jerod Mayo

Jerod Mayo at Los Angeles Chargers v New England Patriots - Source: Getty

The former Patriots head coach now finds himself in a predicament. He has no experience as a coordinator, which could work against him as he looks for a new job.

Still, having head coach experience is an asset. Mayo likely would want to go somewhere with Patriots ties if he were to try out working as a defensive coordinator. Mayo might land with the Minnesota Vikings as a defensive coordinator if Brian Flores gets a job elsewhere.

The Vikings were open to getting a piece of the Belichick coaching tree and if they can't have Flores, they might as well have Mayo.

Mayo also could end up as a part of Mike Vrabel's coaching staff wherever he ends up, as both have a history with the Patriots.