Rob Gronkowski Weighs In On Patriots Firing Jerod Mayo

Rob Gronkowski only played for one head coach during his nine illustrious seasons with the New England Patriots.

But times have certainly changed in New England.

The Patriots are getting set to have their third head coach in as many seasons after they fired Jerod Mayo on Sunday following the team’s regular-season finale. The news wasn’t all that shocking given the dumpster fire that occurred under Mayo’s watch in his first season, but it still caught Gronkowski, who was teammates with Mayo for six seasons, a little off guard.

“I was surprised by that, no doubt,” Gronkowski said on FOX. “Rookie head coach, the roster that he was handed wasn’t that prominent. It’s tough. It’s a tough situation in New England. Obviously, Mr. Kraft didn’t see Jerod Mayo being that culture builder that he was hoping to be over the last season. And obviously, Mr. Kraft has a plan as well going forward.”

What might that plan for the Patriots be? Gronkowski seems to have an idea of what Robert Kraft wants to accomplish with New England’s coaching search.

“Probably hoping to get Mike Vrabel,” Gronkowski said. “There’s some rumbling out there that Josh McDaniels may come back as well as offensive coordinator.”

There already have been multiple reports about the Patriots getting ready to interview Vrabel for their now-vacant head coaching position. But Gronkowski seems to have some inside info when it comes to the Patriots possibly pursuing Josh McDaniels, who spent 18 seasons in various roles with New England while also getting head coaching experience with the Denver Broncos and Las Vegas Raiders.

Going after McDaniels as offensive coordinator would be mean that Alex Van Pelt, who felt like a likely scapegoat this season, would be out as well. If the Patriots go that route, selecting a new offensive coordinator will be just as important as a head coach since they will preside over the development of Drake Maye.

And Kraft really can’t afford to get either decision wrong.