The New England Patriots have sacked head coach Jerod Mayo after just one season in charge. Mayo was informed of his dismissal shortly after the team's final game of the regular season, in which they beat a weakened Buffalo Bills to finish with a 4-13 record.

The Patriots entered Week 18 with a 4-12 record, tied with the Cleveland Browns, Tennessee Titans, and New York Giants. However, they hold a league-highest 78% chance at landing the pick thanks to their lower strength of schedule, giving them the tiebreaker.