CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) – Security for the Duke’s Mayo Bowl at Bank of America Stadium will mirror Carolina Panthers games, the Charlotte Sports Foundation said Wednesday.
That means, a clear bag policy will be enforced, so only approved items can be placed in transparent plastic, vinyl or PVC bags no larger than 12-inches by 6-inches by 12-inches, or purses, bags or clutches no larger than 4.5-inches by 6.5-inches, according to stadium policy.
Bank of America Stadium encourages fans to refrain from bringing any type of bag to the game.
Among the list of prohibited items are strollers, umbrellas, food and beverages, coolers, horns, bells, whistles and other noise makers.
The Duke’s Mayo Bowl between the Minnesota Golden Gophers and the Virginia Tech Hokies kicks off at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 3. Gates open at 6 p.m.
If attendance is anything like years past, 40,000 people could be at Bank of America Stadium for the game Friday night.
FanFest will take place outside of Bank of America Stadium on game day, starting at 1 p.m.
The Charlotte Sports Foundation maintains a partnership with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, which it defers to for other safety and security procedures, the organization said.
As part of the game’s events, the Duke’s Mayo Bowl Fan Central returned Thursday night to Truist Plaza for a pep rally, live music, and performances by the school’s marching bands.
The 2025 Duke’s Mayo Bowl at Bank of America Stadium is set to be a thrilling event, but ensuring the safety and security of all attendees is our top priority. Here are some important security details to be aware of:
1. Bag Policy: All attendees are subject to a clear bag policy at Bank of America Stadium. Only clear bags that do not exceed 12″ x 6″ x 12″ will be permitted inside the stadium.
2. Metal Detectors: All guests will be required to pass through metal detectors before entering the stadium. Please be prepared to remove any metal objects from your pockets before going through security.
3. Prohibited Items: The following items are not allowed inside the stadium: weapons, outside food or beverages, drones, fireworks, and any other items deemed dangerous or disruptive by security staff.
4. Alcohol Policy: Alcohol will be available for purchase inside the stadium, but please drink responsibly. Intoxicated guests will not be allowed entry or will be removed from the premises.
5. Emergency Procedures: In the event of an emergency, please follow the instructions of stadium staff and security personnel. Emergency exits and evacuation routes will be clearly marked throughout the stadium.
6. Report Suspicious Activity: If you see something, say something. Report any suspicious activity or individuals to stadium security immediately.
By following these security details and cooperating with stadium staff, we can all ensure a safe and enjoyable experience at the 2025 Duke’s Mayo Bowl. Let’s make it a game to remember!
Come for the football, stay for the mayonnaise bath, the mayonnaise eating contest, the mayonnaise race, mayonnaise tastings, mayonnaise bobbing …
The Duke’s Mayo Bowl, and all its emulsion-based shenanigans, has trended on social media in recent years and turned the event from one of many college football bowl games into one of the sport’s most viral sensations.
On Friday, under the lights of a 75,000-person stadium in Charlotte, N.C., two teams will battle for victory and for the chance — nay, the right — to watch as the winning head coach is bathed in five gallons of celebratory mayo.
Here’s everything you need to know about the game.
Who’s playing?
At 7:30 p.m. on Friday, the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers will play the Virginia Tech Hokies at Bank of America Stadium, which the National Football League’s Carolina Panthers call home. The Gophers won seven of 12 games this season, while the Hokies compiled an even six wins and six losses.
The game will be broadcast on ESPN.
What’s the game’s history?
Duke’s Mayo, a competitor to Hellman’s that is much preferred among many Southerners, purchased the rights for an undisclosed amount from the Charlotte Sports Foundation in 2020. Before that, the game had a variety of sponsors, including Belk, a Charlotte-based department store chain, and Meineke Car Care Center, a Charlotte-based operator of repair shops.
Duke’s extended the contract in 2023 until an undisclosed time, Miller Yoho, the director of communications and marketing for the foundation, said.
Six major bowl games — the Rose Bowl, the Sugar Bowl, the Peach Bowl, the Fiesta Bowl, the Orange Bowl and the Cotton Bowl — are part of a playoff that leads to a national championship game. Then there are 36 other bowl games vying to remain relevant as players enter the transfer portal or drop out entirely if they have N.F.L. aspirations. Some bowls rely on decades of tradition, others on exotic locales.
And some, like the Duke’s Mayo Bowl, have figured out a way to create buzz and draw millions of viewers.
The fierce battle for attention during bowl season has led to made-for-TikTok moments to fill opening ceremonies, stoppage time and postgame festivities.
There was the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl, which brought fans down to the field and into a small, cracker-branded jacuzzi. At the Pop-Tarts Bowl, a humanoid Pop-Tarts mascot danced on the field before it was ripped to shreds and eaten by the winning team in a moment that frightened and intrigued.
The Duke’s Mayo Bowl is more than just gimmicks. Its payouts to teams, attendance and television ratings are respectable for a mid-tier game, and it holds a coveted prime-time spot near the end of the bowl season. Last year’s edition between North Carolina and West Virginia drew 3.84 million viewers, its most since 2016. But its success in garnering attention has more to do with its willingness to go all-in on mayo, creating some of the most provocative and viral moments in college football.
Here’s what to expect.
There will be more mayo-eating contests and mayo tastings of some kind, that’s for sure. Last year, fans were given jars of Duke’s Mayo with team logos on them. The Duke’s Mayo mascot will run in a race. The Savannah Bananas, an exhibition baseball team known for its on-field antics, will show up, Mr. Yoho said. Other mayo mayhem will ensue.
There will also be mayo bobbing. It’s like bobbing for apples, except with small mayo packets swimming in a bucket of mayo.
And then there will be the infamous mayo dump. That’s when the coach of the winning team sits in a chair, most likely questioning some life decisions, while five gallons of mayonnaise is dumped on his head.
Gross? Maybe. But the people are watching. Mr. Yoho told The New York Times last year that interest in the game had never been higher.
“Honestly, this is the most anyone’s been talking about it in the 10 years I’ve been doing it,” he said. Duke’s Mayo had a record day of online sales during last year’s game, a spokesman for the brand added.
Executives with the Charlotte Sports Foundation have been tight-lipped about some of the surprises that they say are in store, including new elements to the mayo dump. But whatever happens, clips are likely to be all over your social media feeds shortly after the clock hits double zeros.
The Duke’s Mayo Bowl Is Gross and Weird. That’s Why People Love It.
Every year, college football fans eagerly anticipate the Duke’s Mayo Bowl, not for the action on the field, but for the bizarre tradition that takes place off of it. The Duke’s Mayo Bowl has become known for its post-game celebration, where the winning team is doused in mayonnaise by the coaching staff.
Yes, you read that right. Mayonnaise.
It’s a strange and somewhat gross sight to see players covered in the creamy condiment, but it has become a beloved tradition among fans and players alike. The sheer absurdity of it all is what makes it so entertaining.
But why mayo, you ask? Well, Duke’s Mayonnaise is a proud sponsor of the bowl game, and they have fully embraced the quirky tradition. It may not make much sense, but it certainly makes for a memorable and unique experience.
So next time you tune in to watch the Duke’s Mayo Bowl, don’t be put off by the mayonnaise mayhem. Embrace the weirdness and enjoy the spectacle that is the Duke’s Mayo Bowl. It may be gross, but that’s exactly why people love it.
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Duke’s Mayo Bowl, Gross and Weird, People Love It, Unique Bowl Game, College Football, Mayo Madness, Duke’s Mayonnaise, Bowl Game Tradition, Quirky Sports Event
Before flipping the page to 2025, the New England Patriots decided to make one last transaction in 2024. Veteran outside linebacker Yannick Ngakoue, who had joined the Patriots as a waiver claim in early November, was released.
The timing of the move was not coincidental, according to head coach Jerod Mayo.
“Just trying to give a veteran player an opportunity to catch on with a team that will be in the postseason,” Mayo explained during a press conference on Wednesday.
According to an NFL memo from January 2024, teams participating in the postseason are allowed to sign no more than four free agents while in the tournament and no more than two in the same week. Ngakoue getting waived on Tuesday gives him a head start of sorts, even though he was not claimed on the waiver wire by Wednesday afternoon.
A third-round draft pick by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2016, Ngakoue developed into a productive pass rusher and one-time Pro Bowl selection. After leaving Jacksonville via trade in 2020, he continued putting up solid numbers. His last two seasons, however, have been a struggle — culminating in his release by the 3-13 Patriots on Tuesday.
In six games as a Patriot, Ngakoue played 39 percent of defensive snaps but registered no sacks and just three combined quarterback pressures. Nonetheless, Mayo spoke highly of the 29-year-old and what he brought to his team during his short tenure.
“I’ll just say this about Yannick, he did a great job,” Mayo said. “He was great in the meeting rooms. He was great out there in the practice field. A veteran that brought a lot to the table, and wish him nothing but the best.”
The Ngakoue-less Patriots will take on the Buffalo Bills in their season finale on Sunday. Kickoff at Gillette Stadium has been set for 1 p.m. ET.
Former New England Patriots linebacker Jerod Mayo recently spoke out about the team’s decision to release defensive end Yannick Ngakoue. Mayo, who now serves as a linebackers coach for the Patriots, shed some light on the thought process behind this move.
In a recent interview, Mayo explained that the decision to release Ngakoue was a difficult one but ultimately came down to salary cap constraints and the team’s overall roster needs. Ngakoue was signed as a free agent in the offseason, but his hefty contract was not sustainable for the team’s financial situation.
Mayo emphasized that Ngakoue is a talented player and a great teammate, but sometimes tough decisions have to be made in the NFL. The Patriots are constantly evaluating their roster and making moves to improve the team’s overall performance.
While Ngakoue’s release may have come as a surprise to some fans, Mayo reassured that it was a strategic decision made with the team’s best interests in mind. The Patriots will continue to make moves to strengthen their roster and compete at a high level in the upcoming season.
Overall, Jerod Mayo’s insight provides some clarity on the Patriots’ decision to release Yannick Ngakoue and highlights the complex nature of managing an NFL roster. Fans can trust that the team is always working towards building a competitive and successful team on the field.
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Jerod Mayo, Patriots, Yannick Ngakoue, release, decision, NFL, football, New England Patriots, player news, team news, sports analysis, roster move
During the fourth quarter of an ugly loss to the Chargers on Saturday, many of the few who remained for garbage time of a garbage game made their preferences known regarding the team’s first-year head coach.
“Fire Mayo!” was the chant that emerged.
“You hear those things,” coach Jerod Mayo said after the game, via Mike Reiss of ESPN.com. “But at the same time, they paid to sit in the seats, and we’ve got to play better. If we play better, we don’t have to hear that stuff.”
He’s right, but the problem is the play. And the coach is responsible for it.
Of course, the roster has something to do with it. And the roster that Bill Belichick left for Mayo wasn’t good. In Belichick’s last two years with the Patriots, the greatest coach in football history (as UNC recruits are constantly hearing it) could muster only 12 total wins in 34 total games.
For years, Belichick the coach had to compensate for the failures of Belichick the personnel guru. Once Tom Brady left, it all caught up to Belichick. And the stench of bad personnel decisions lingers.
That doesn’t mean Mayo should be guaranteed a second season. At times this year, it has felt as if Mayo was trying to talk his way out of a job. Like when he called his team “soft.” And it was odd, to say the least, to learn on Saturday that Mayo said running back Rhamondre Stevenson wouldn’t start the game due to ongoing fumbling issues — before Stevenson actually started the game.
Thriving as an NFL coach is proven in big moments. Surviving is shown in little things. Too often this year, Mayo has tripped over those little things. And it raises the question of whether ownership did the wrong thing by creating a contractual succession plan that gave Mayo the job before Bill Belichick was asked to leave it.
Now, the question becomes what will Robert Kraft do? Firing Mayo this quickly could be interpreted as an admission that Mayo never should have been hired. And there’s a chance that Mayo simply needs more time to grow and to develop into the role.
But only dysfunctional teams deal with mistakes by doubling down. The smart teams recognize the error of their ways, and they make changes.
It was never going to be easy to follow Belichick. And if Mayo were to be fired after only one season in Belichick’s long shadow, the next coach will end up lurking in it, too.
On one hand, it’s part of the price to pay for two decades of excellence. On the other hand, a simple question needs to be asked. Can Mayo ever live up to the excellence that Belichick demonstrated? If the projection is that he can’t and won’t, it makes sense to consider a change.
Especially with former Belichick assistant Brian Flores possibly on the brink of becoming a head coach again, if there’s an owner willing to ignore his pending lawsuit against the NFL and four franchises.
During the New England Patriots’ blowout loss to the Los Angeles Chargers at Gillette Stadium, fans took their frustration to a new level with a chant that could be heard throughout the stadium: “Fire Mayo!”
The chant, directed at Patriots defensive coordinator Jerod Mayo, came as the team struggled to contain the Chargers’ offense and fell behind by a significant margin. Fans were clearly unhappy with the team’s performance and took the opportunity to voice their displeasure.
While it’s unclear whether the chant will have any impact on Mayo’s future with the team, it’s clear that fans are not pleased with the current state of the Patriots defense. As the team looks to regroup and improve in the coming weeks, it remains to be seen whether the “Fire Mayo” chant will continue to be heard at Gillette Stadium.
Mike Reiss is an NFL reporter at ESPN and covers the New England Patriots. Reiss has covered the Patriots since 1997 and joined ESPN in 2009. In 2019, he was named Massachusetts Sportswriter of the Year by the National Sports Media Association. You can follow Reiss on Twitter at @MikeReiss.
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Quick-hit thoughts and notes around the New England Patriots and NFL:
1. ‘Fire Mayo’ chants at Gillette: In the fourth quarter of the Patriots’ 40-7 home loss to the Chargers on Saturday, a group of fans began chanting “Fire Mayo” inside a sparsely filled Gillette Stadium.
It was another reminder of how it has been a challenging season for first-year head coach Jerod Mayo, whose team is 3-13 and will finish with a home game against the Buffalo Bills in Week 18.
“You hear those things. But at the same time, they paid to sit in the seats, and we’ve got to play better,” Mayo said of the chants. “If we play better, we don’t have to hear that stuff.”
Team owner Robert Kraft has important decisions to make on the future of Mayo and first-year executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf. It is generally out of the norm to move on after one season, but there also needs to be tangible evidence that things are headed in the right direction.
Is a Week 1 win at Cincinnati that no one saw coming enough of a feather in Mayo’s cap? Is a 2-6 record in one-score games — which includes a 24-21 loss to the AFC East champion Bills last week — enough progress?
As for Wolf, the best thing he has done in his first year in charge of personnel is deliver promising quarterback Drake Maye with the No. 3 overall pick. Does that alone make him safe? The rest of the draft class has been shaky, particularly at two of the team’s top areas of need — receiver and offensive line. Likewise, Wolf’s initial free agent class has delivered mixed results.
Entering Sunday, the Patriots own the No. 2 pick in the 2025 draft, and they are among the league leaders in salary cap space, which heightens the urgency for Kraft to get it right.
In the locker room Saturday after the loss to the Chargers, one of Mayo’s captains stood behind him.
“I think he’s doing a great job, keeping us motivated and prepared and locked in on our goals every week,” veteran defensive lineman Deatrich Wise Jr. said. “It’s up to the players. Coaches coach, players play. I only speak about myself, and I felt like there were a lot of games I could have played better to help the team win. I feel like Mayo is putting people in the right positions, he’s very positive but also criticizes people in a motivating way.
“I don’t think we should write him off right now. A lot of coaches start off tough, but there are multiple coaches who are OK now and in the playoffs. I feel like we need to continue to believe in Coach and he’ll find a way to make everything right next year.”
Veteran defensive tackle Davon Godchaux had a fiery response to the “Fire Mayo” chants.
“The guy’s in his first season. It’s not going to be golden. We didn’t expect to win a Super Bowl this year. I get it, nobody wants to get beaten 40-7, but the chant is ridiculous,” he said.
“Everybody plays a part in this. It isn’t just Jerod Mayo. Players. Coaches. Front office. We just have to get better as a whole organization. I believe in this organization. We just had probably the best team in the NFL right now on the ropes last week [in Buffalo]. I don’t believe in all that other ridiculous stuff. The guy is in his first year. It’s just ridiculous.”
Likewise, Maye said he believes he’s getting coached as hard as he was in Week 1, while nine-year veteran cornerback Jonathan Jones cited last week’s game against the Bills, noting how well prepared the Patriots were.
“I think they’ve done a good job this whole season, but I think as players we’ve come up short,” Jones said. “Some coaches have come up short, if I’m being honest with you all. So we all take accountability on the season we put out there.”
It’s the type of season that usually leads to change in some form. After Saturday’s embarrassing loss to the Chargers, the chants from the crowd and the prospect of another half-filled stadium next week, questions about what that potential change could look like are intensifying.
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Drake Maye chucks a 36-yard TD pass to DeMario Douglas
DeMario Douglas scores on a 36-yard touchdown pass from Drake Maye to trim the Patriots’ deficit to 17-7 against the Chargers.
2. RB surprise: Mayo had said in a pregame radio interview Saturday that Antonio Gibson would start at running back after Rhamondre Stevenson had fumbled for an NFL-high seventh time in Week 16. But when the game began, it was Stevenson getting the start.
By the end of the contest, Gibson had a slight edge in snaps played with 29 (12 carries for 63 yards), while Stevenson played 24 snaps (two carries for 1 yard).
Afterward, Mayo said it was a “coaches decision” and wouldn’t elaborate if something happened between the interview and game time to change his mind or if perhaps there was a breakdown in communication with his message.
3. Maye’s health: Maye had a scary moment Saturday when Chargers defensive back Cam Hart‘s helmet made contact with his helmet on a running play early in the first quarter. Maye remained down briefly and said, “Sometimes, you get your bell rung, and you’ve got to shake back.”
Maye relayed that similar to what unfolded against the Jets on Oct. 27 — when he left the game for a concussion evaluation and didn’t return — an independent spotter called to the sideline and had him go through a concussion test. This time, Maye was cleared to return in the second quarter.
“I feel good — I still feel good — and then I was good to go,” Maye said.
4. Risky business: Maye was kept in the game for two drives in the fourth quarter Saturday while the Patriots trailed 37-7, which Mayo explained as the Patriots “trying to develop a quarterback.” Maye already had received that concussion test.
The team’s top defensive player, cornerback Christian Gonzalez, had been ruled out of the game with a concussion in the second quarter, and a case could be made that nothing else trumps ensuring the health of those two franchise cornerstones.
As Maye said, “Those guys up front are battling their butts off, so I’m not going to go to the coach and say, ‘Hey, take me out.’ That’s not me.”
5. Strange’s new home: Cole Strange, the 2022 first-round pick who started at center Saturday in his first action on offense since tearing a patellar tendon on Dec. 17, 2023, reported that he came out of the game healthy.
After playing exclusively at left guard in his first two seasons in the NFL, he said he is open to making center his full-time position.
“I don’t think I had any bad snaps,” Strange said. “I had one early in the third quarter, but that’s a timing thing, and I’ll fix that. I believe that most of my mistakes were more mental than technical, so I consider those easy fixes. I’m extremely confident I’m moving in the right direction.”
6. Trade recap: Chargers rookie wide receiver Ladd McConkey made New England pay for trading its second-round pick (No. 34) and fourth-round pick (No. 137) to Los Angeles in exchange for a second-rounder (No. 37) and a fourth-rounder (No. 110).
The Chargers took McConkey at No. 34 and cornerback Tarheeb Still at No. 137, while the Patriots selected wideouts Ja’Lynn Polk (37) and Javon Baker (110).
In a reflection of how lopsided the deal is at this point, consider that McConkey finished Saturday’s game with more receiving yards (94) than Polk (87) and Baker (0) have all season. On the season, McConkey has 77 catches for 1,054 yards and seven touchdowns, while Still leads the Chargers with four interceptions.
7. Lions model: The Lions’ current success — after going 3-13-1 in coach Dan Campbell’s first season in 2021 and starting the 2022 season 1-6 — has been used recently as an example of the benefits of sticking with a young coach (such as the Patriots’ Mayo).
Patriots first-year defensive line coach Jerry Montgomery was the latest to cite it, saying in the days leading up to Saturday’s game: “I was in Green Bay for nine years, and Detroit was a play away in a lot of games for a long time. They got over the hump and built some confidence. It’s a process. It doesn’t happen overnight. We’re here to make sure we take that next step and keep pushing for excellence.”
8. They said it: “I feel like my two years [in the NFL], I’ve been losing, and it’s time to make a change. We’ve got some pieces, we’ll add more pieces next year, and I feel like we could come out and do something. I’m just tired of losing, for real.” — WR DeMario Douglas
9. Did you know? Part I: Saturday’s 40-7 loss to the Chargers was the sixth-largest home defeat in Patriots history.
10. Did you know? Part II: The Patriots’ loss Saturday clinches a sub-.300 win percentage in consecutive seasons for the first time in franchise history.
Despite facing some criticism and “Fire Mayo” chants from a small group of fans, the New England Patriots continue to believe in Jerod Mayo as their defensive play-caller.
Mayo, who is in his first season as the team’s defensive coordinator, has faced some challenges in his new role. The Patriots defense has struggled at times, leading to frustration among some fans.
However, head coach Bill Belichick and the rest of the coaching staff remain confident in Mayo’s abilities. Belichick has praised Mayo for his work ethic, football knowledge, and leadership skills, and has expressed his belief that Mayo will continue to improve and grow in his role.
Despite the calls for his job, Mayo has remained focused and determined to help the Patriots defense improve. He has been working closely with the players to address their issues and make necessary adjustments.
While the “Fire Mayo” chants may be loud, the Patriots organization stands firmly behind their defensive coordinator. They believe in Mayo’s potential and are committed to supporting him as he continues to grow and develop in his role.
FOXBORO, Mass. — Jerod Mayo’s walk back to the locker room was slow. It was an eerie evening here. Foggy, dark, foreboding. Even though his tenure has lasted only 16 games, Mayo’s done this walk several times, the sulked retreat to the locker room after a performance that feels like rock bottom only for a new low to arrive.
But this one feels different. This one really has to be rock bottom. The kind that leads to change.
For weeks, the New England Patriots have signaled to every NFL insider with a cell phone that they really wanted Mayo to return for a second season as head coach. Robert Kraft had made Mayo the handpicked successor to all Bill Belichick built. They knew he’d have learning moments as a first-time head coach. But they really wanted it to work out. Essentially, the message was this: Just don’t make the Patriots an embarrassment, and you’re back for Year 2.
This one, though — Los Angeles Chargers 40, Patriots 7 — leaves no doubt. The Patriots are an embarrassment. They’re 3-13. They haven’t scored 30 or more points in 44 straight games. They’ve surrendered at least that many six times this season alone. They hadn’t lost six in a row since 1993 — now they’ve done it twice this year. For a second straight season, they’re going to finish with a sub-.300 winning percentage, something they haven’t done since they were the AFL’s Boston Patriots.
All of which is to say more simply: It’s time.
Time for change. Time for Kraft to admit this has all been too much too soon for Mayo and set sights on hiring Mike Vrabel to be the Patriots’ new head coach.
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Kraft’s plan seemed a reasonable one once upon a time. Mayo seemed a natural successor to Belichick. He played for him and was lured into coaching by him. He could take Belichick’s core beliefs and pair them with a more modern approach. It seemed like it had a chance to work. And what a story it would’ve been.
But 16 games in, it’s painfully obvious that Mayo is in over his head. Perhaps it wouldn’t be this simple if the crop of available coaches was a group without any ties to the Patriots who may not even consider a franchise that’s been in the wilderness since Tom Brady left five years ago.
What should make it an easy decision for Kraft is that the fix is obvious. One of the two best available coaches is a Patriots Hall of Famer, a tough, no-nonsense guy who could both be a bridge to the glory years while yielding optimism about what’s to come in Foxboro. In short, what Mayo was supposed to be.
Another way to look at it is this: The best case is that Mayo turns things around, gets buy-in from players, and with more talent on his roster, yields the kind of culture Vrabel built in Tennessee while getting the most out of his teams. But if that’s the hope, why not just hire Vrabel?
Mike Vrabel is the obvious choice for the Patriots if they move on from Jerod Mayo after one season. (Eric Canha / USA Today)
There’s no guarantee most years that other free-agent coaches would have any interest in the Patriots. But Vrabel would. He could return to the franchise where he became a three-time Super Bowl champion as a driving force of the first dynasty. And, importantly, he has a good relationship with Kraft. The Pats owner wined and dined Vrabel during the Titans’ bye week last year when Vrabel was inducted, rolling out the red carpet as a thank you for all Vrabel meant to the Pats (and maybe as an apology for trading him in 2009), which at the time irked some back in Tennessee watching Vrabel bask in all things Patriots. Even if the Patriots job wouldn’t be all that intriguing to some coaches, that’s not the case with Vrabel.
At this point, what’s the argument for bringing back Mayo? Just that Kraft once saw a lot of promise in him and they owe it to him to give him a chance with a better roster? Is that enough to let Vrabel go elsewhere, then potentially have to make a switch next year if things don’t work out and have to search through a new crop of available coaches who don’t have ties to the Patriots?
That path would mean changes to Mayo’s coaching staff, potentially swapping out his offensive and defensive coordinators. Alex Van Pelt’s offense has been really bad, and somehow DeMarcus Covington’s defense has been even worse. On national TV Saturday, the Chargers had 428 yards to the Patriots’ 181. They had 29 first downs to the Patriots’ 11. They had the ball for more than two-thirds of the game.
Back at the bye that started this month, the mandate to Mayo and his coaching staff seemed obvious. Just don’t become a trainwreck at the end of the season. Show some improvement here and there even if it doesn’t add up to a bunch of wins.
But in the three games since then, the Patriots have been blown out by the Arizona Cardinals, blew a 14-point lead to the Buffalo Bills and got blown out by the Chargers.
Everything about the latest one was embarrassing. Ladd McConkey, the rookie receiver they didn’t want in the second round, torched them for two touchdowns and 94 yards — outproducing the combined season-long effort from the receivers the Patriots drafted instead (Ja’Lynn Polk and Javon Baker). The defense was gashed and lost its best player (Christian Gonzalez) to injury. The offense stunk and got Drake Maye smoked a few times.
Even the odd parts of this team that don’t really matter are embarrassing, like Mayo telling the broadcast crew before the game that they were going to start Antonio Gibson at running back to send a message to Rhamondre Stevenson … only to then start Stevenson.
“Coach’s decision” was all Mayo could muster three different times when pressed on the move.
At this point, he’s a coach without answers. Maybe if he had another year to be a mentee under Belichick this could’ve worked out. Or maybe if Eliot Wolf’s draft class hadn’t been a total disaster outside of Maye then Mayo could yield more production with a better roster.
Instead, Gillette Stadium was dotted by empty seats Saturday, an uncomfortable reminder of where they’re at.
Kraft invited Maye’s family to watch the game from his suite high above the 50-yard line. It’s obvious the Patriots feel they have their franchise quarterback. They owe it to him to surround him with better players — and, based on the last 16 games, better coaches.
The hope was that Mayo would get better as the season went on and he learned the ropes of a new job. His team would reflect that improvement.
Instead, the Patriots found a new rock bottom on an afternoon when an uncomfortable reality set in. It’s time to make another change at head coach.
(Top photo: Kathryn Riley / Getty Images)
The New England Patriots have had a disappointing start to the season, and it may be time for a change in leadership. Jerod Mayo, who was promoted to defensive coordinator this season, has struggled to live up to expectations. It’s time for the Patriots to make a bold move and fire Mayo, and set their sights on former player and current Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel.
Vrabel has proven himself to be a successful head coach, leading the Titans to multiple playoff appearances and even a trip to the AFC Championship game. His defensive expertise and leadership qualities make him the perfect candidate to take over the reins of the Patriots defense.
While Mayo is a beloved figure in New England, sometimes tough decisions need to be made for the betterment of the team. Bringing in Vrabel could inject new energy and fresh ideas into the Patriots organization, helping them get back on track and compete for another Super Bowl title.
It’s time for the Patriots to make a change and set their sights on Mike Vrabel as their next defensive coordinator. The future of the team could depend on it.
Robert Kraft has often trusted his instinct to make key decisions as the Patriots owner. The most famous of course, is him giving up a first-round pick to the New York Jets to land Bill Belichick as head coach in 2000. Eyebrows were raised over the decision to let go of draft capital for an unproven coach. Six Super Bowls later, Kraft was more than vindicated in his choice.
When Belichick and the Pats parted ways in January this year, Kraft was swift to appoint former linebacker Jerod Mayo as his replacement. Despite his inexperience, the appointment made sense. Kraft had signed Jerod Mayo to the Patriots in 2008. There, he trained under Bill Belichick, played alongside Tom Brady, and won a Super Bowl (XLIX) with them during an eight-year career. After his retirement, he worked as a linebacker coach and ran the team’s defense in the last two seasons. Kraft also explained why he went with Mayo and it was again based on his trusted instinct.
“What I’ve learned in my businesses, and my career, I go with my instinct. I try to see things that other people don’t see and have the courage to live up to my convictions. I’m always thinking what’s the right thing for the long term,” Kraft said. The task to replace Belichick was always going to be hard and so it proved with the Pats sitting with a 3-12 record after Week 15. So, is Kraft’s faith in Mayo wavering?
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According to The Athletic’s Diana Russini that might be the case. Mayo’s position has come under scrutiny and with reports of former Titans coach Mike Vrabel eyeing the role, uncertainty looms over the current HC’s predicament. Speaking on The Herd with Colin Cowherd on Boxing Day Russinisuggested that confidence in Mayo may not be that high.
“I can tell you that the Kraft family they were ready for the bumps and bruises here. They knew that a first-time head coach is going to go through it, they are learning on the job in a really tough market. But you have to wonder if this has been good enough and I can tell you the tone in that building went from ‘yeah we’re going to probably be safe’ whereas I can tell you people in that building do not feel that strongly about it anymore,” she said.
Coming from a 4-13 record in Belichick’s final season, very few expected Mayo to perform miracles. But nobody would have expected things to look this bad after 15 games. They haven’t won a game in over a month, since their November 10 victory over the Chicago Bears and are on a five-game losing run. This season was always going to be transitional, but whether Kraft believes Mayo is the man to rebuild the Patriots for the future is what will decide his fate. Russini thinks the Pats owner might have a rethink once the season is over.
“I believe going to come down to the last games here with (Robert) Kraft really making a decision, ‘Do I pull the band-aid and just own it,’ and say, ‘we believed in him, we thought maybe he had the pieces of what a great coach would be, but it’s not going to be able to work. We don’t have the time and patience for it, we don’t want to waste the years of a great young quarterback,’and then find someone that can come in.”
The focus and priority have been to develop rookie quarterback Drake Maye this season, whom the team picked third overall in the draft this year. The QB has impressed in New England and has been one of the rare bright spots for the team with 2,159 yards and 14 TDs. Maye’s success on the gridiron invariably ties to the Patriots’ hopes and Mayo’s future. While he has looked good, is there a chance that the team feels Mayo isn’t getting the best out of the QB?
Notably, in November it was reported by NFL insider Albert Breer that the Patriots were seeking outside help on how to handle Maye. “They have done some research over the last few weeks on how to handle a young quarterback,” Breer reported. This signifies that the Patriots are willing to do whatever it takes to ensure Maye’s development at the highest level. They are also keen to avoid the situation they experienced with Mac Jones from 2021 through 2023 after a good rookie season. Mayo will sit uneasily until the end of the season.
Early in the season, the Pats suffered some blowout losses. In their week 3 matchup against the NY Jets, they got thrashed by 3-24. Against the Texans in week 6, they lost 21-41. Still, there is a belief that Mayo should be given time to oversee the development of the team and that he retains the confidence of Kraft.
When Kraft appointed him in January, he said he had the vision of Mayo taking over Belichick five years ago. “Look, Jerod learned a lot from Bill,” Kraft said during an interview with Taylor Rooks on Amazon’s pregame show. “They are each special individuals. I’ve gotten to know Jerod over the last 12, 15 years. You know, I picked him five years ago to be our next head coach.”
Mayo has had a lot to deal with in his first season in New England, but he hasn’t done much to help his chances. He has been under fire for the questionable decisions in crunch situations, such as the one seen in the narrow loss to the Bills recently. The Pats were down two scores and had their offense near midfield with a little more than eight minutes remaining. Surprisingly or perhaps unsurprisingly, Mayo made the call to punt.
His side needed two scores to pull off a stunning comeback against the Bills. But they didn’t even get two possessions thanks to Mayo’s to punt on fourth-and-5. The Pats lost 21-24.
Diana Russini also touched on whether Mayo will be given at least one more year by Kraft adding, “Maybe we just give them one more year, yeah. But as we know Colin, how many times do we see owners do this? Usually, if you’re playing with it, if you’re toying with it, you should make the move. Because you always come back the next year and you’ll end up firing the guy, anyway. If Robert Kraft is having doubts, then this could be another opening we see available.”
Amid all these rumors, another Patriots legend is gearing up to come back to the franchise. But that would only happen if Jerod Mayo gets fired.
Will Mike Vrabel replace Jerod Mayo at the Patriots?
The Bill Belichick era at the Patriots gave many superstars in the league. Mike Vrabel was another linebacker who won 3 Super Bowls, but he moved to the Chiefs the year Mayo arrived there. However, the rumor is that he wants to become the Patriots head coach. On the December 27 episode of The Pat McAfee Show, Connor Campbell said, “Word on the street is that Vrabel wants to coach at one place. That is very real. Allegedly, Vrabel is very interested in being the head coach of the New England Patriots.”
He also quoted Dan Orlovsky, who had claimed one week ago that Vrabel had already spoken to some but did not want to disclose. That’s big news. Mike Vrabel is a much more experienced coach than Mayo and has seen success as well.
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After a stint as a defensive coordinator with the Houston Texans, he took over as the HC at the Titans. Under his tutelage, the Titans had four winning seasons, many AFC South crowns, and an AFC Championship game appearance during his six seasons there. He is one of the hottest free agents on the market and may tempt Kraft into making a move.
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As the New England Patriots continue their search for a new head coach, team owner Robert Kraft is facing a tough decision regarding the future of current defensive coordinator Jerod Mayo. With rumors swirling that former Patriots linebacker and current Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel is interested in the job, Kraft must weigh his options carefully.
Mayo, who has been with the Patriots organization since 2019, has been instrumental in the team’s success on defense. However, with Vrabel’s proven track record as a head coach and his ties to the Patriots organization, Kraft may be tempted to make a change.
One player who could be affected by this decision is quarterback Drake Maye, who has reportedly formed a strong bond with Mayo during his time with the team. If Mayo were to leave, it could have a significant impact on Maye’s development and future with the Patriots.
As Kraft weighs his options, he must consider the long-term success of the team and the potential impact on key players like Maye. With Vrabel waiting in the wings, the pressure is on for Kraft to make the right decision for the future of the Patriots organization.
The New England Patriots are expected to retain Jerod Mayo as the head coach going into the 2025 season, according to NFL insider Ian Rapoport.
Mayo has struggled in his first season as head coach with the Patriots. It even got to a point where some pondered if Robert Kraft would contemplate a change after just one season.
However, Mayo’s future seems secure, at least for 2025.
“Let’s focus in on Patriots coach Jarod Mayo, obviously the Patriots play today,” Rapoport began. “We saw a really strong showing last week from the Patriots taking the Buffalo Bills to the brink. Here is my understanding guys of where drought Mayo stands with the Patriots. They came into the season knowing and believing he was going to be their leader for the future. They also knew that as a team, just based on the lack of talent that they had, they knew it would take some time.
“From my understanding, this is something I reported on nfl.com with Tom earlier this morning. Nothing has caused the Patriots to come off that. Obviously, there have been challenges with the Patriots this season. No doubt about that. Could potentially see some staff changes focus, maybe on offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt. We’ll see where they end up going with that decision. But my understanding, Jarod Mayo heading into this off season: safe guys.”
New England is 3-12 in Mayo’s first year with not much to show for it. However, the Patriots might have something in first round pick Drake Maye at QB.
Now, it’s about surrounding him with protection and talent. They’ll be up against it Saturday at 1:00 p.m. ET when hosting the Los Angeles Chargers.
While Mayo’s been criticized, the players have staunchly defended him. Mayo was even asked about that leading into this game.“Look, I understand the question. It’s a great question,” Mayo said. “That’s more of an after-the-season type of reflection point for me, personally. I appreciate the players and wanting to go out there and play hard every single day. I know the record sometimes is hard. When your record is like this, to go out here and play on a down-after-down basis, The guys have been doing that.”
The New England Patriots are reportedly expecting former linebacker Jerod Mayo to return to the team as head coach in 2025. Mayo, who currently serves as the team’s inside linebackers coach, is seen as a rising star in the coaching world and has been praised for his leadership and football knowledge.
Mayo played for the Patriots from 2008 to 2015 and was a key member of the team’s defense during that time. He was known for his intelligence on the field and his ability to analyze and react to opposing offenses.
Since retiring as a player, Mayo has quickly climbed the coaching ranks, starting as a linebackers coach for the Patriots in 2019. He has earned the respect of players and coaches alike and is seen as a future head coach in the NFL.
While nothing has been officially confirmed by the team, sources close to the organization believe that Mayo is being groomed to take over as head coach once Bill Belichick decides to retire. If Mayo does indeed become the head coach in 2025, Patriots fans can expect a leader who is dedicated, knowledgeable, and committed to continuing the team’s winning tradition.
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New England Patriots, Jerod Mayo, head coach, NFL, football, coaching, New England Patriots news, Jerod Mayo return, sports, NFL news, New England Patriots rumors, Jerod Mayo head coach, 2025, New England Patriots updates
The Patriots had three giveaways on Sunday in New England’s loss to the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium.
Rhamondre Stevenson had a costly fumble in the third quarter that the Bills were able to turn into seven points nine plays later. Despite the turnover, Stevenson still led the Patriots with 60 rushing yards on 12 carries and a touchdown against Buffalo.
The miscue was the seventh fumble of the season for Stevenson. That equals the number of fumbles he’s had in his previous three NFL seasons combined. After Stevenson fumbled in each of the first four games of the season, Antonio Gibson got the start at running back for New England in Week 5 against the Miami Dolphins.
Jerod Mayo hinted toward a possible change in the backfield when the Patriots host the Los Angeles Chargers this Sunday at Gillette Stadium.
“Look, I think everyone understands how important the football is,” Mayo told reporters on Monday, per team-provided transcript. “We’re a team that we just can’t turn the ball over. I don’t think any team can really afford to turn the ball over.
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“I thought (Antonio Gibson), when he got in there, did a great job. Look, we had to go back and talk about it as a staff, but it’s definitely still a possibility. Look, I will say this: we all in this building stand behind Rhamondre and the things that he does. He does a lot of good things. Unfortunately, right now, the ball’s just on the ground too much.”
Gibson rushed for 28 yards on 10 carries against the Bills on Sunday. He also fumbled, but the Patriots recovered the ball and kept possession. Gibson has fumbled twice on 96 carries this season, but New England retained possession both times. He has 434 rushing yards with one touchdown and an additional 186 receiving yards on 19 catches.
Jerod Mayo, the New England Patriots’ inside linebackers coach, hinted at a possible demotion for a current starter ahead of their upcoming game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
In a recent press conference, Mayo suggested that changes could be on the horizon for the Patriots’ defense, specifically at the linebacker position. While he did not name any specific player, his comments have sparked speculation among fans and analysts.
The Patriots have struggled defensively this season, particularly against the run, and Mayo’s remarks indicate that he is considering shaking up the lineup in an effort to improve the unit’s performance.
It remains to be seen which player could be in danger of losing their starting role, but Mayo’s comments have certainly added an extra layer of intrigue to the Patriots’ upcoming matchup against the Chargers. Stay tuned for any further developments on this potential demotion.
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Jerod Mayo, Patriots, Demotion, Starter, Chargers, NFL, Football, New England Patriots, Los Angeles Chargers, Potential Demotion, Lineup Change, Defensive Player, NFL News, Football Update, Game Preview, Player Update, Roster Update, Team News
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