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.

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

The New England Patriots wasted no time responding to their 4-13 finish on Sunday, firing coach Jerod Mayo hours after the completion of his first season on the job. It was a jarring move for a team that employed its previous coach,

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:

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.

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

Robert Kraft has already satisfied the Rooney Rule by interviewing Pep Hamilton and Byron Leftwich in person, meaning the Patriots are the first of the six teams with a head-coaching vacancy who can make a hire.

Dumping Jerod Mayo not long after game's end suggests Robert Kraft might already have someone in mind as the next Patriots head coach. Hello, Mike Vrabel.