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

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

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

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 Jets’ Mike Vrabel dreams may be in serious peril thanks to one of their fiercest rivals. The Patriots’ decision to fire Jerod Mayo shortly after their season-ending win over the Bills on Sunday has thrown a serious wrench into the idea that the Jets could be a player for Vrabel’s services.

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

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:

Mayo is not the first coach-in-waiting turned one-and-done, and signs point to Robert Kraft wanting a power coach once again.

Mike Vrabel's interview with the Jets was a calculated move to put pressure on the Patriots according to multiple reports.

Vrabel may be the top candidate, but here are some of the other options the Patriots are likely to consider after parting with Mayo.