Robert Kraft introduces Jerod Mayo as Patriots' new head coach

The New England Patriots have officially introduced Jerod Mayo as the team’s next head coach. He replaces Bill Belichick, who led the team for 24 seasons.

Owner and CEO of the Patriots Robert Kraft introduced Mayo. He said, “It’s been nearly a quarter of a century since we introduced a new head coach, and today I’m happy to welcome you all here as we introduce the 15th head coach of the New England Patriots, Jerod Mayo.”

You can watch Jerod Mayo get introduced, here:

Robert Kraft introduces Jerod Mayo as the 15th head coach in Patriots history. pic.twitter.com/ZypBCSI25E

— New England Patriots (@Patriots) January 17, 2024

Media in the room broke into applause for Mayo after the announcement. He sat on Kraft’s left, ready to take questions and give his own statement once Kraft finished his. In it, he said he has the same conviction with this hire as he did with Belichick.

“I’ve learned to trust my instincts throughout my career, and I trust Jerod is the right person to lead the Patriots back to championship-level contention and long-term success,” Kraft said.

Jerod Mayo spent eight seasons in the NFL, all of which were with the Patriots, playing for Bill Belichick. It was an incredibly successful career too, winning the 2008 Defensive Rookie of the Year Award, going to two Pro Bowls, and being named an All-Pro in 2010. He also won a Super Bowl with New England.

In 2019, Mayo joined Belichick’s staff as a linebackers coach. That’s the role he’s held since then, with many seeing him as a coach in waiting during the later years of Belichick’s tenure.

Interestingly, he already reportedly offered jobs moving forward to Steve and Brian Belichick, Bill’s sons who have been on the coaching staff. It’s unclear if they’ll remain in New England or follow their father to a new team, but Steve Belichick and Jerod Mayo are known for being close.

Now, Jerod Mayo will turn his attention to the offseason and rebuilding the Patriots roster.

Tedy Bruschi on Patriots’ hire Jerod Mayo

Former New England Patriots linebacker and current analyst for ESPN, Tedy Bruschi, praised the hire of Jerod Mayo shortly after the news broke.

“I’m really not surprised at all. The relationship with Mr. Kraft, the grooming, working himself up through the ranks, being almost the defacto defensive coordinator with Brian Belichick. I think you’re getting the best of both worlds… there’s a little of Bill Belichick in him, and then there’s not,” Bruschi said.

“I think that’s what they’re looking for. Someone who knows the foundation, the structure, knows the defensive philosophy and the techniques. In terms of what they’re looking for in the organization, sort of the new age… it’s everyone on the same page, someone that’s willing to work and can work with a lot of people. They got the right guy in Jerod Mayo.”