Legendary coach Bill Belichick, now sporting a suit and tie on the recruiting trail for the University of North Carolina Tar Heels, addressed the recent firing of his former player and Patriots successor, Jerod Mayo. During his appearance on "The Pat McAfee Show," Belichick downplayed his involvement in the Patriots' situation, stating that the decision was entirely up to team ownership.

He emphasized that Robert Kraft, Jonathan Kraft, and Robyn Glaser are the key decision-makers for the Patriots and that they haven't consulted him about the matter. "They haven’t called me and asked, so I don’t know," Belichick remarked, indicating his focus lies squarely on his new role at UNC.

Belichick acknowledged that Kraft initially chose Mayo, who served on Belichick's Patriots staff, to take over as head coach. However, after a disappointing 4-13 season, Kraft took responsibility for Mayo's dismissal, admitting he put Mayo in a difficult position.

Mayo, a former Patriots linebacker (2008-2015) and Super Bowl champion, joined Belichick's coaching staff in 2019. Kraft expressed regret for rushing Mayo into the head coaching role, stating that Mayo possessed the necessary skills but needed more experience. Kraft is now determined to find a coach who can lead the Patriots back to playoff contention and championship success.

Meanwhile, Belichick is embarking on a new chapter in his storied career, transitioning from the NFL to college football. His inaugural season with the Tar Heels is highly anticipated, marking a significant shift for the seasoned coach. As the Patriots search for a new leader, with Mike Vrabel rumored to be a top candidate, Belichick remains focused on building his program at UNC.