The New England Patriots are set to turn a new page, as they've tapped Jerod Mayo to fill the head coach position. Mayo, making history as the team's first Black head coach will be stepping in to fill the cleats of Bill Belichick after his iconic 24-year tenure. A league source spilled the beans on the big move, which isn't officially public just yet because the ink on the contract is still drying, as reported by ABC15.
Mayo is no stranger to the Patriots’ sideline, having racked up a Super Bowl ring with the team in the 2014 season, and then joining the coaching squad to oversee a defense that, despite the Patriots' 4-13 record this season, managed to stay formidable. In particular, they performed even after losing key players like Matt Judon and rookie sensation Christian Gonzalez, noted by AP News. Belichick passed the baton just a day earlier, with Mayo, who has been with the franchise as a linebacker coach, was given a long-term extension, signaling a succession plan.
Pats' owner Robert Kraft is all in on the shake-up, claiming the new coach will drive the team back to its glory days. "We're looking for someone who can help us get back to the playoffs and win," Kraft said determined to hoist the Patriots to their former winning ways post the team’s dry spell, missing playoffs three times in four years. Kraft's hunt for a winner ended with Mayo, who's been on an upswing himself, interviewing for head honcho gigs in Philly and Carolina, per ABC15.
In a neat slice of Kraft wisdom conveyed on Thursday, he laid out that Belichick’s unique combo role as coach-cum-de facto general manager didn't come until post his third Super Bowl with the team, and that "earned it and it worked pretty well for most of the time.” Therefore, Mayo is stepping into a strictly coaching role, for now, leaving the GM or other front office shuffles for Kraft to sort out. Mayo's appointment may have fans and pundits alike watching, waiting and wagering on whether this change in guard can put the Patriots transformation into overdrive, or if it's just another hopeful Hail Mary.
