In otherNew England Patriots Fashion, they now have their third coach in as many seasons (and in less than 13 calendar months).
After Bill Belichick was absent for 24 seasons, the two parted ways in early 2024 and He went with Jerrod Mayo To replace the greatest coach of all time.
However, after a 4-13 season, Kraft didn't like what he saw, so he fired Mayo and hired Mike Vrabel, who was available last season.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
Jerod Mayo (51) of the New England Patriots congratulates Vince Wilfork during the second half against the Miami Dolphins at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, on January 2, 2011. (Elsa/Getty Images)
Vince Wilfork doesn't deny that the Patriots are in a better position today than they were two weeks ago, but in echo of his former teammate Thoughts by Rob Gronkowski On that matter, Wilfork said Tuesday that Mayo “never had the opportunity” and that it was all just a “set-up.”
“I think it was a good thing to do. And knowing Jerrod personally, I know the conversations,” Wilfork told Fox News Digital in a recent interview. “I know what it is. It's hard to understand, but that's the business when you're dealing with certain people. I think it's unfair.”
Wilfork noted that Mayo coached “the same roster” that Belichick did and “sucked it up.”
“So what do you think Mayo would have (done) with the same guys that Bell brought in? Mayo is the one who found the quarterback of the future in Drake Maye. It's unfortunate. But it's part of the game, part of the job,” Wilfork said.
Wilfork spoke with Fox News Digital at an event where he promoted Tums, which he's on about stopping heartburn when people stuff their faces at their Super Bowl parties. Toms and DraftKings It recently teamed up with fans to access the app for the Fantasy Foodball Pool, where players can craft their perfect gameday boards for free for a share of the cash prizes.
Jerrod Mayo (Photos by Mark J. Rebelas-Imagine)
NFL to explore playoff format changes; Division winners will not be guaranteed home games: Report
“Tums goes hand in hand with food, and what they were trying to do with Foodball, this was a perfect collaboration. … When you have football and DraftKings and a chance to win something, it keeps it fun,” Wilfork said. “You can do it with your friends, have a good time, and it's all about food. Something competitive, but light. We're talking about food. It's a great way to bring people together. Food, sports, football, that's what it's all about.”
Despite letting Mayo go, Wilfork said Vrabel is the best man to get the former Patriots back on track.
“I'm very happy for Vrabel. I played with Vrabel. He coached me in Houston — and he's a good friend. I know he checks all the boxes when it comes to running the team. Hopefully he can get us back on track. It's time,” Wilfork said. “For us to get on the right path, he is a good person who can take us back in the right direction.”
Wilfork played in Super Bowls with both Mayo and Vrabel on the same defensive unit and considers them good friends. Perhaps one could say that this is a strange situation for Wilfork, but he stated that it is “not embarrassing…just the facts.”
He said, “It has nothing to do with Vrabel as a coach or as a person. I think he is exceptional. He is the best coach I could have had. I think it is unfair for Mayo to go through what he went through.”
Tom Brady of the New England Patriots talks with head coach Mike Vrabel of the Tennessee Titans before a preseason game in Nashville, Tennessee, on August 17, 2019. (Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
“I'm not questioning Vrabel's abilities. I know he can win. He showed that with Tennessee, when he went to the AFC Championship Game his first year. I know how great coach Vrabel is. I'm not questioning that at all. I'm very happy and excited.” Because the Patriots landed Vrabel.
“I think it's unfair what Mayo went through. He didn't have the opportunity. It was just bullshit from the beginning, and there was a lot of backstabbing. … We'll see what happens. It's all part of what I think is unfair,” he said. Whatever it was, he never had the chance.”
Follow Fox News Digital Sports coverage on Xand subscribe to Fox News Sports Huddle Newsletter.
