The New England Patriots have officially named Jerod Mayo as their head coach to replace Bill Belichick, following through with a succession plan put in place last season.
Mayo, 37, has spent his entire NFL career in Foxborough. Selected by Belichick with the 10th pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, the 6-foot-1 linebacker was a two-time Pro Bowl selection during his career with New England. A few years after injuries forced him to medically retire following the 2015 season, Mayo joined the Patriots coaching staff in 2019.
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He became one of the fastest-rising NFL coaching candidates. In 2021, he interviewed with the Philadelphia Eagles and blew the organization out of the water with his football IQ, leadership and communication. While Philadelphia went for the offensive-minded coach (Nick Sirianni), Mayo strengthened his reputation as an up-and-comer.
In the 2023 NFL offseason, Mayo started generating even more head-coaching buzz and several teams wanted him as a defensive coordinator. However, New England signed him to a contract extension and took the unusual step of publicly announcing the move.
On Thursday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported that Mayo’s contract included a succession clause for him to take over for Belichick as head coach. A day after New England officially parted ways with the greatest head coach in NFL history, it has named Mayo as its new leader.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on Friday that Mayo has officially become the Patriots new head coach. Robert Kraft will formally introduce him at a press conference next week.
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While the Patriots had an interest in a reunion with Mike Vrabel, Kraft wanted to stick to his plan. Mayo had support from many within the Patriots’ organization, creating a smooth transition for the team in 2024.
As for Mayo’s coaching staff, there is a strong chance that offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien will return next season. He would provide head-coaching experience for Mayo to rely on as a first-year head coach and, unlike Belichick, O’Brien would be permitted to hire his own assists on the offensive staff.