NFL analyst flames Patriots for firing Jerod Mayo, details real reason for ex-HC's exit - "They call it Black Monday for a reason"

Jerod Mayo's tenure with the Patriots lasted just one year and he did not even make it to Black Monday before Robert Kraft fired him. New England finished with a 4-13 record. It was the worst standing in an AFC East that featured three franchises with losing records. However, with their win over the Bills in their Week 18 game, it was not quite bad enough to get them the number one seed either.

The combination of these factors explains why Jerod Mayo was fired. However, it does not contextualize what the now ex-Patriots head coach had to deal with. He had a rookie quarterback in Drake Maye, who looks good to be the face of the franchise for the foreseeable future. However, he had no weapons to throw too, was constantly running behind collapsing offensive lines, and there was nothing his coach could do to help him because of the personnel he had on his roster.

Stephen A. Smith seized on that on First Take talking about Jerod Mayo's firing saying that he was never given a fair chance to succeed in New England. He further accused them of moving so quickly in firing him because they want to recruit Mike Vrabel, who is currently available and interesting other teams like the Jets.

The NFL analyst compared the situation to Doug Pederson, whom the Jacksonville Jaguars fired but waited until Black Monday to do so despite having a more experienced quarterback and team at his helm. Stephen A. Smith used that opportunity to wonder if that is why it is not called White Monday instead because the Patriots did not give their former head coach a fair shot. He commented,

"This is about Mike Vrabel. That's who they wanted... I don't like this. They call it Black Monday for a reason. This certainly typifies it. I don't know why it's not called White Monday. Doug Pederson got fired from Jacksonville. He deserved that firing. Jerod Mayo clearly was not given a lengthy enough opportunity considering what Bill Belichick left him with from a talent perspective."

Patriots' Jerod Mayo firing brings total to five by Black Monday night

In addition to Jerod Mayo, four other coaches who began the 2024 NFL season are no longer in their positions. Robert Saleh of the Jets, Dennis Allen of the Saints, and Matt Eberflus of the Bears were all fired midway. The Patriots head coach departed on Sunday after their final game and the Jaguars followed suit with Doug Pederson.