He sure did. Must be nice to have the future HC as the coach. Never even crossed my mind he would go to the media.
This is a lazy take. Look at the timeline of events. This was carefully orchestrated and not by Mayo. Per Reiss, Kraft doesn't attend Steelers game, where despite the win, Pats are eliminated from playoffs. Shortly after, Curran comes out w/ his article about Germany game. Two days later, Bedard slams Mayo based on 'multiple sources.' Per Reiss, Kraft again misses Broncos road game (a rarity). After loss to the Bills, Mayo is told to respond to Bedard's article. Two days later, Herald slams dysfunction within Bill's team. Three days later Jets beat Pats at final home game.
Dec 7 - TNF Pats beat Steelers (Kraft no show)
Dec 7 - WK 14: Pats eliminated from playoffs
Dec 12 - Curran "a decision was made" article
Dec 14 - Bedard on Mayo "rubbing ppl the wrong way"
Dec 17 - Chiefs beat Pats
Dec 24 - Pats beat Broncos (Kraft no show)
Dec 31 - Bills beat Pats (Kraft leaves early)
Jan 2 - Mayo responds to Bedard article
Jan 4 - Boston Herald article on Pats dysfunction
Jan 7 - Jets beat Pats at home. 4-13 record
Jan 8 - Bill's morning PC - giving up GM
Jan 9 - Curran calls BS on Bill giving up GM
Jan 10 - Kraft fires Bill
Jan 11 - Kraft/Bill announcement
Krafts orchestrated this to prepare the fan base for both Bills' departure and the Mayo announcement. There is zero chance Mayo would stick his neck out to leak this to the media knowing Kraft was considering him for future HC. Too much downside.
I've gotta say, Krafts have more balls than I thought. Kraft knew this was going to be difficult to sell to the fans but his mind was made up. He was done with Bill. He used Curran to do his bidding.