On Friday, the New England Patriots made a swift decision to appoint Jerod Mayo as the 15th head coach in franchise history, following the departure of Bill Belichick. At just 38 years old, Mayo enters the 2024 season as the youngest head coach in the NFL, marking a new era for the Patriots.
Mayo's journey from being a player to a coach needs no introduction in Foxborough. He was selected in the first round of the 2008 NFL draft, 10th overall, after playing college football at the University of Tennessee. Mayo quickly made his mark, earning the title of Associated Press NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year and becoming a team captain by his second training camp.
Throughout his playing career with the Patriots, Mayo displayed exceptional talent and leadership. He was part of the team that triumphed in Super Bowl XLIX and received two Pro Bowl selections, as well as one first-team All-Pro honor. Known for his impressive tackling skills, Mayo amassed 802 tackles, 11 sacks, eight forced fumbles, seven fumble recoveries, and three interceptions during the regular season. Notably, he led the league with 174 tackles in 2010.
Mayo's impact on the team did not go unnoticed by his former coach, Bill Belichick. In fact, Belichick once commented, 'There have been very few players in my career that I’ve had the opportunity to coach that I’d say had more of an impact on the team than Jerod has from day one, which is unusual.'
After retiring from the NFL, Mayo ventured outside the world of football and worked in finance at Optum. During this time, he gained valuable experience that he believes will benefit his coaching career. Mayo emphasized the importance of creating an environment of psychological safety, where individuals feel free to express their opinions. He wishes to build a culture that transcends mere win-loss records and focuses on personal growth and development.
Since 2019, Mayo has been a part of the New England Patriots' coaching staff, initially serving as the inside linebackers coach. Throughout the 2023 season, he also took on the role of a de facto co-defensive coordinator alongside Steve Belichick. Despite facing various challenges, such as injuries to key players like Matthew Judon and Christian Gonzalez, Mayo and the Patriots' defense managed to finish the season ranked ninth in terms of defensive DVOA. They boasted the league's best rushing defense, allowing only 3.3 yards per attempt, and ranked seventh in yards allowed per passing attempt at 6.6. Overall, opposing offenses scored 33 touchdowns against them.
Mayo's appointment as head coach comes as no surprise, as a succession plan had already been established with his contract extension last year. This approach allowed the Patriots to maintain continuity, avoiding the need for an extensive search for a new head coach. With Mayo at the helm, the Patriots will undoubtedly experience both turnover and continuity as they embark on a new chapter in their storied history.
As Jerod Mayo takes charge of the New England Patriots, fans and analysts alike will be eager to see his strategic vision, leadership abilities, and development of players. With his wealth of experience as a player and his unconventional journey into coaching, Mayo has the potential to leave a lasting impact on the team and the league as a whole. Only time will tell what lies ahead for the Patriots under Mayo's guidance, but one thing is for certain: change is on the horizon, and the New England Patriots are ready to embrace it.
