After one season, the New England Patriots fired head coach Jerod Mayo, paving the way for Mike Vrabel to rejoin the franchise, where he played from 2001 to 2008.

Mayo, who also played with the Pats from 2008 to 2015, struggled in what was viewed as a rebuilding year and compiled a 4-13 record.

With the dust settled on New England’s passing of the baton to Vrabel, cornerback Christian Gonzalez didn’t hold back about how the franchise handled its business while on the “Frat Rules Podcast” when asked if he liked Mayo as a coach. “I did [like Jerod Mayo as a coach]. I did. I think they did him a little dirty, giving him only one year.

But, it’s business…

We gon’ see what [Mike Vrabel] do… They damn near cleaned house.” Christian Gonzalez on the #Patriots’ coaching changes: “I did [like Jerod Mayo as a coach]. I did. I think they did him a little dirty giving him only one year. But, it’s business… We gon’ see what [Mike Vrabel] do…

They damn near cleaned house.” ( Frat Rules Podcast) pic.twitter.com/2SwkxBBVFx — Carlos A.

Lopez (@LosTalksPats) February 19, 2025 A report from ESPN published last month detailed that when Vrabel became available in January 2024 after being fired from Tennessee, many within the New England organization wondered whether the team should pivot from their plans with Mayo.

“The possibility of Vrabel becoming the Patriots’ coach traces back to last year,” wrote Mike Reiss.

“New England had language in Mayo’s contract to become Belichick’s successor, but team sources said Vrabel’s unexpected availability in January 2024 after being fired by the Titans made some within the team wonder whether those plans should be shelved in favor of Vrabel.”

Gonzalez was a second-team All-Pro in 2024. The 22-year-old defensive back joined New England as the first-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.