Entering Sunday’s regular season finale against the Bills, the Patriots owned the inside track to get the first pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. However, by defeating Buffalo 23-16, New England secured the No. 4 pick instead.

The biggest story of the game was at the quarterback position, as New England benched starter Drake Maye after one passing attempt, ending his season. In Maye’s place was fellow rookie Joe Milton, who totaled 241 passing yards and two total touchdowns in the game.

The Patriots’ season ended in disappointment despite a win, as the team’s first year without Bill Belichick was certainly rocky. Head coach Jerod Mayo, who was appointed Belichick’s successor without the team interviewing any other candidate, could not survive such a struggling campaign.

Here is what Mayo said after the team’s fourth and final win of the season and what owner Robert Kraft said about the decision.

Why did the Patriots fire Jerod Mayo?

Owner Robert Kraft called Mayo’s dismissal “one of the hardest decisions” he’s ever had to make, but he ultimately cited the team’s lack of improvement throughout the season as a reason for the quick hook.

Here’s Kraft’s full statement on the coaching decision: