Jerod Mayo is set to be revealed as Bill Belichick’s successor as New England Patriots head coach, according to widespread reports.
The Patriots confirmed the departure of legendary coach Belichick, who led New England to nine Super Bowls in 24 seasons in charge, winning six, on Wednesday.
The 71-year-old is widely regarded as one of the greatest coaches in the league’s history, though he failed to lead the Patriots to the postseason in three of his final four campaigns at the helm, including each of the last two.
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New England’s 4-13 record this season was their worst under Belichick, and they have not won a playoff game since 2019, when they beat the Los Angeles Rams in Super Bowl LIII to capture their final title of the Tom Brady era.
Owner Robert Kraft always looked likely to appoint a successor with close links to the team, with their former linebacker Mike Vrabel touted as a contender after being surprisingly fired by the Tennessee Titans earlier this week.
However, current linebackers coach Mayo appears to have gotten the nod, with ESPN reporting his appointment will be announced in a press conference next week.
Focused on the future. pic.twitter.com/dYk2vTOPCa
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) January 12, 2024
Mayo is set to become the 15th head coach in franchise history, and at 37 years old, he will take Sean McVay’s title as the youngest head coach in the NFL.
A linebacker for the Patriots from 2008 to 2015, Mayo was part of their Super Bowl XLIX-winning team and appeared in 103 games for the franchise before joining Belichick’s coaching staff in 2019.
ESPN reported New England were able to forgo the NFL’s strict hiring process and immediately promote Mayo because they had already established a succession plan in his contract.
Mayo will become the first black head coach in the Patriots’ history as they look to reverse back-to-back losing seasons in 2024.
Belichick, meanwhile, is unlikely to call time on his decorated coaching career just yet, with his overall tally of 333 wins (regular season and playoffs) putting him just 14 short of Don Shula’s NFL record.
The Los Angeles Chargers have been touted as a potential landing spot for Belichick, who led the Patriots to 18 playoff visits in his 24 seasons in charge.
What a ride.
Thank you, Coach Belichick. pic.twitter.com/aQ5SWiVwmE
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) January 11, 2024
