NFL Rumors: Fired ex-Patriots HC Jerod Mayo threatening to envelop billionaire owner Robert Kraft in legal trouble

The New England Patriots may not be done with former head coach Jerod Mayo just yet. Mayo could be considering legal action against the franchise and owner Robert Kraft, according to rumors from local sports radio.

"Drama In Foxboro - Sources tell me that Jerod Mayo is not going quietly & his side is doing everything possible to go after Kraft," Steve 'Dakota' Happas tweeted.

"Jerod feels he was done dirty & wants to take down the owner. Legal now involved & this is just a mess. I expect details to come out soon."

Mayo fired after one season as Patriots’ head coach

Mayo has yet to comment publicly after being fired by the New England Patriots on January 5. In his lone season with the team, he finished with a 4-13 record.

Following the firing, NFL insiders questioned the culture of the locker room under Mayo and his leadership skills. First, it was Boston Herald’s Patriots beat reporter Doug Kyed.

"Patriots players publicly stated their support for Jerod Mayo, but team sources have described a poor culture with a lack of leadership that can make demanding and decisive decisions," Kyed reported.

Then it was The Athletic’s Jeff Howe.

"Sources among the Patriots' prior regime expressed skepticism Jerod Mayo was ready to be a head coach. Needed more experience game planning, involvement in play calling, handling bigger situational decisions. How'd this season play out? "About how we thought," one said."

In the statement to the media following the firing of Mayo, New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft felt that Mayo needed more time before becoming the head coach.

"This whole situation is on me. I feel terrible for Jerod because I put him in an untenable situation," Kraft said. "I know that he has all the tools as a head coach to be successful in this league. He just needed more time before taking the job. In the end, I'm a fan of this team first, and now, I have to go out and find a coach who can get us back to the playoffs and hopefully championships."

Example of a legal avenue Jerod Mayo could take

There is a legal precedent that Jerod Mayo could emulate. Steve Wilks sued his former employer Arizona Cardinals in 2022. His lawsuit is part of the class-action lawsuit filed alongside other black coaches Brian Flores and Ray Horton. Flores is suing his former employer the Miami Dolphins while Horton is suing the Tennessee Titans for what he considered a 'sham' head coaching interview.

Like Mayo, Wilks is a first-time black head coach who was fired after one season. In the lawsuit, both Flores and Wilks claim wrongful termination and racial discrimination. The case is still pending arbitration.

---