For the first time since 1999, someone other than Bill Belichick is the head coach of the New England Patriots.The Patriots are set to hire Jerod Mayo as their next head coach, one day after saying an emotional goodbye to Belichick after 24 historic seasons. Robert Kraft’s franchises have operated a little differently than others over the past 25 years, and Mayo’s hiring continued that pattern.
The Patriots opted for a more traditional coaching search, immediately finding a coach with a longstanding relationship with the organization. Here’s what you need to know about Mayo’s history, including NFL player careers and college stats.
Who is Jerrod Mayo? Mayo was the youngest head coach in the NFL when he was hired by the Patriots. At 37, he is a month younger than Rams coach Sean McVay and the first black coach in Patriots history. Mayo has a long history in the Patriots organization as a player and head coach.
He played for the team for eight years as a linebacker and joined the New England defensive coaching staff in 2019. According to ESPN, the Patriots have considered Mayo to be Belichick’s successor for some time. New England took the rare step of publicly announcing its intention to keep Mayo after expressing interest in head coaching and defensive coordinator opportunities elsewhere last season, signaling to many that he is a likely replacement for the legendary trainer.
ESPN reported that Belichick’s relationship with Mayo was “greater than ever” in 2023, and Belichick realized that Mayo being brought in as his successor would create a somewhat awkward dynamic.Time to train Jerod Mayo.2019-2023: Inside Coach (Patriots)Mayo retired after the 2015 season and joined Belichick as the Patriots’ inside linebackers coach in 2019 at age 33.
It may seem unusual for a coach to be promoted directly to head coach, but Mayo’s role was more refined than his role in New England. Belichick and Belichick’s son, Steve, have shared the defensive playing duties for the past five seasons after Brian Flores left in 2019 to become the Dolphins’ head coach.
That’s one reason defensive tackle opportunities elsewhere, along with Foxborough’s best recruiting opportunities, aren’t always attractive to Mayo.2024: Head Coach (Patriots)The respect Mayo received from Belichick’s staff allowed him to coach an NFL franchise for life that won six Super Bowls this century. But after 4-13 seasons, Mayo still has a lot of work to do to right the ship.
The Patriots are transitioning to a more traditional structure in the post-Belichick era, hiring a general manager who will oversee the roster and work closely with Mayo. Mayo’s appointment of an offensive coordinator will also be important if Bill O’Brien is not retained as defensive coach.
Jerrod Mayo’s NFL CareerMayo spent eight seasons as a linebacker in the NFL, all with the Patriots. Drafted 10th overall out of Tennessee in 2008, he immediately assumed a starting role in New England’s defense, starting all 16 games as a rookie. He was named the 2008 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. Mayo remained a starter through 2015, but his role was somewhat reduced in his final NFL season after missing most of 2013 and 2014. Mayo was named first team All-Pro in 2010, led the league with 174 tackles and became a second Pro Bowler in 2012.
The Patriots held off Mayo’s defense and reached Super Bowl 46 against the Giants. Mayo won his first championship three years later when the Patriots won Super Bowl 49, but missed the game due to injury. Mayo played in 103 games over eight seasons, recording 802 tackles, three interceptions, 30 tackles for loss and eight forced fumbles. Despite his relatively short career, Mayo is the Patriots’ fourth leading rusher in franchise history, behind Teddy Bruschki, Devin McCourty and Vincent Browne.
Jerrod Mayo College StatsMayo spent his college career at Tennessee State University.Season Games TFL Sacks INTJune 13, 2005 0.0 0.0 02006 12 83 12.5 5.0 02007 14 140 8.5 1.5 1Mayo was a two-year starter at Tennessee State and emerged as a defensive force for the Volunteers, recording 12.5 tackles for loss and five sacks as a sophomore in 2006. He recorded 140 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss and six picks before redshirting for the 2007 NFL Draft.
Mayo earned All-SEC honors in 2007 and was Belichick’s last top-10 pick. The Patriots were able to add Mayo after a 16-0 season because they acquired the 49ers’ first-round pick (No. 7 overall) and then used it to trade back to No. 10.
