The New England Patriots did not waste much time in figuring out their next head coach after Bill Belichick and the team officially agreed to part ways. On Thursday morning, Adam Schefter reported that former New England Patriots player and inside linebackers coach Jerod Mayo will officially be announced as the team’s next head coach in a press conference next week.
It’s a new era in New England: the Patriots have hired Jerod Mayo as their next head coach and he will be formally introduced at a press conference next week, a source tells ESPN. pic.twitter.com/SeHKoAonrP
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 12, 2024
Jerod Mayo taking over for Bill Belichick makes him the youngest head coach as he is one month younger than the Los Angeles Rams coach Sean McVay. With zero head coaching experience and being part of Belichick’s staff the previous five seasons, it is an interesting hire as he has zero experience as a coordinator, let alone a head coach.
While rumors were circulating about potentially a different former Patriots player, Mike Vrabel, taking over, it seems that the only option for owner Robert Kraft was Mayo. Next will be hiring a general manager unless Mayo gets full autonomy.
How will Jerod Mayo do as the next New England Patriots coach?
The New England Patriots are not expected to be very good in terms of their talent and coaching staff. With no Bill Belichick and likely offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien being gone, this team has some time before becoming a serious playoff contender. They hold their own picks in every round except the seventh where instead of their own, they hold the Chicago Bears pick.
Addressing the quarterback situation is critical as Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe do not seem to be the answer going forward.
With the third overall pick and a team that was tied for 31st in the NFL with just 13.9 points per game, it will be interesting to see how a defensive-minded first-year coach will attack. Creating a staff in a difficult AFC East with the Miami Dolphins and Buffalo Bills in the playoffs while the New York Jets get quarterback Aaron Rodgers returning next season will be extremely difficult.
This could be a great hire depending on how the remainder of the coaching staff winds up. The offense needs to be addressed and hiring a strong offensive coordinator and general manager needs to happen as soon as possible.
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