New England Patriots Hire Jerod Mayo as Next Head Coach

That was fast. After amicably parting ways with franchise icon Bill Belichick yesterday, the New England Patriots announced today that linebackers coach Jerod Mayo will take over as head coach effective immediately.

A new era in New England.

Congratulations, Head Coach Jerod Mayo! pic.twitter.com/Aj87oTu2S2
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) January 12, 2024

Mayo has a long relationship with the Patriots dating all the way back to 2008. The 10th overall pick of the 2008 NFL Draft, Mayo was the second-highest ever draft selection of the Bill Belichick regime, behind only Hall of Fame defensive lineman Richard Seymour, who the Patriots selected sixth overall in 2001. Mayo went on to play seven seasons and 103 games with the Patriots as an inside linebacker and team captain, earning a pair of Pro Bowl selections and a Super Bowl ring in 2014.

Mayo eventually rejoined the Patriots as their linebackers coach in 2019, a role he has served in up until now. He instantly becomes the league's youngest head coach and arguably its least experienced, but it isn’t his resume as a playcaller the Patriots are banking on. Mayo began drawing head-coaching interest last year because of his leadership qualities and his experience as a star in the league.

Hiring Mayo is an intriguing, aggressive move toward youth for the Patriots, but it also preserves a certain level of continuity from their dynastic heyday. It recalls the Houston Texans’ recent hiring of DeMeco Ryans, who played six seasons as an inside linebacker with the Texans from 2006 to 2011, earning two Pro Bowls. Ryans' fresh approach lifted the Texans from a 3-13-1 record in 2022 to a 10-7 record and an AFC South division crown in his first year; the Patriots would be ecstatic with a similar result.