Jerod Mayo, a former coach of the New England Patriots, played cards with players on their flight home after a double-digit loss, according to a report.

On Monday, the New England Patriots let go of coach Jerod Mayo after only one season, and a report released on Wednesday provided insight into his first year as an NFL head coach and the events leading up to his dismissal.

Despite winning the season finale against the Buffalo Bills, owner Robert Kraft decided not to renew the contract of Mayo.

""Unfortunately, despite my best efforts, I have decided not to renew Jerod Mayo's contract as the head coach of the New England Patriots in 2025. This was a difficult decision for me, as I had high hopes for the team's performance this season," Kraft stated."

Mayo, who had won a Super Bowl as a player and coached linebackers for the Patriots, appears to have deviated from the "Patriots' way" in his coaching style.

A report from The Athletic highlighted a notable incident that occurred after a loss to the Arizona Cardinals last month, specifically a plane ride home.

Mayo chose to play cards with the players instead of reviewing film with the coaching staff, according to the report.

Despite the unexpected loss, Mayo, the first-year head coach, left his position near the front of the plane and went back to where some players were playing cards. He chose to stay there while his assistants watched film, according to a team source.

"Graff was informed by a team source on the plane that there are multiple ways to accomplish the task. Although Jerod's approach may not have been incorrect, the source had not previously encountered that specific method."

Mayo's failure to distinguish himself from Belichick may have contributed to his downfall.

The report stated that Mayo tried too hard to be different from Belichick, but struggled to maintain discipline after positioning himself as a players' coach.

Mayo's troubles were largely due to Kraft's actions.

"I take full responsibility for this situation and feel terrible for Jerod because I put him in an untenable position," Kraft stated during a press conference on Tuesday. "I know Jerod has the skills to succeed as a head coach in this league, but he needed more time before taking the job."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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