After an underwhelming season and in the absence of Bill Belichick, the New England Patriots made the surprising move of dismissing recently appointed head coach Jerod Mayo following their fourth victory of 2019 over Josh Allen’s Bills. Though discussions regarding Mayo’s departure had already surfaced prior to this announcement – including former Patriot tight end Rob Gronkowski himself! – it still caught many by surprise.
Gronkowski expressed his shock over Mayo’s swift dismissal, noting how this decision had surprised everyone at Fox broadcast team desk as well as at home: he stated “it came as quite a shock and very suddenly… we were all surprised. Coach Jerod Mayo never got his chance to develop as head coach before this decision came down”.
Gronkowski had just started speaking when Strahan interjected to suggest the need for a commercial break, abruptly stopping Gronkowski mid-sentence and leaving viewers questioning where Gronkowski stood with regard to any additional revelations that may emerge later on Fox Sports 1. This abrupt interruption left viewers curious and anticipatory of Gronkowski’s thoughts, leading them back towards watching Fox in search of further answers or information that may emerge later on in their experience.
Gronkowski expressed strong sentiments surrounding Mayo’s firing, believing he was placed into unfavorable conditions, as well as expressment of strong disapproval over their decision to terminate Mayo after only one season on his contract.