After a long period of coaching stability under Bill Belichick, the New England Patriots have opted for a quick change.

On Sunday, the Patriots announced that head coach Jerod Mayo has been released after only one year in the role. This marks a surprising turn of events, considering owner Robert Kraft had previously chosen Mayo to potentially succeed Belichick.

Kraft described the decision to part ways with Mayo as “one of the toughest decisions I’ve ever faced.”

“Regrettably, our team’s performance did not improve throughout the season as I had anticipated,” Kraft stated.

In Mayo’s first season, New England ended with a disappointing 4-13 record, although they did manage a win in their final game against the Buffalo Bills. Following Belichick’s departure after a similar 4-13 outcome, many believed Mayo would be granted more time to turn things around.

Now, the Patriots find themselves searching for a new direction once again.

Mayo’s time as coach started on a high note with a surprising 16-10 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals in the season opener, yet the team went on to lose the following six games and ended the season on a seven-game losing streak. During their 40-7 defeat against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 17, fans at Gillette Stadium chanted “fire Mayo.”

Mayo faced criticism when he labeled New England as “a soft football team across the board” after a 32-16 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars in London during Week 7. Although he tried to clarify his statement later, both Belichick and others were quick to disapprove of his comments regarding the players’ performance.

Despite the growing frustration from fans amid the losses, Mayo maintained just a week before the season’s final game that he wasn’t worried about his job security.

“I’m in regular communication with ownership,” Mayo mentioned at a press conference. “I believe we’re still aligned.”

The Patriots are expected to have more than $130 million in salary cap space—more than any other team—for the 2025 season, along with the fourth overall pick in the upcoming NFL draft.

This report has been updated with the latest developments.