The Patriots made the right move when they fired Jerod Mayo, but they need to follow it up by hiring Mike Vrabel as his replacement

Pats fans were rooting for him. But as verbal missteps continued, it became obvious Mayo lacked the proper amount of head-coach training.

Despite the uncertainty New England Patriots fans felt during the 2024 season, there’s one thing they're sure about: who should replace Jerod Mayo.

Mike Masala previously served as the Managing Editor of USA TODAY's Dolphins Wire as well as a contributing writer at Patriots Wire. A lifelong New England resident, he is the self-proclaimed captain and lone member of the Laurence Maroney Fan Club. Follow on Twitter/X: @Mike_Masala

Former Patriots star Rob Gronkowski was "surprised" by the team's decision to fire Jerod Mayo, but thinks they're angling to hire Mike Vrabel and Josh McDaniels.

The Patriots already have what is supposed to be their franchise quarterback in Drake Maye, as well as the fourth overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Mayo was fired for not immediately turning the team around after Belichick's leaner final years, and his replacement could face a similar mandate. Here are some guys we think could be up for it:

Former Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski suggested New England is interested in Mike Vrabel after firing Jerod Mayo.

Mike Vrabel may be the frontrunner for the Patriots head coaching job, but Ben Johnson cannot be overlooked either.

The New England Patriots are primed to potentially hire back-to-back former linebackers with the team as their head coach. After letting go of Jerod Mayo following a 4-13 campaign

From a lack of talent on the roster to his inexperience and struggles with discipline, Mayo had little chance to succeed in New England.

Bill Belichick succession plan blew up in one year. Now bringing back another franchise icon is the only move that makes sense.