Mayo Introduced as Patriots Head Coach: 'Ready to Kick Butt!'
FOXBORO — The Jerod Mayo era in Foxboro has officially begun.
Less than one week removed from the their decision to part ways with legendary coach Bill Belichick, the New England Patriots have formally introduced Mayo has the 15th head coach in franchise history.
Speaking before a robust crowd of media members assembled G-P Atrium at Gillette Stadium, Mayo expressed excitement to work with his fellow coaches and players on helping to develop their skills — both individually and as a team.
“I’m a huge believer in developing people,” Mayo said. “My calling is to be a teacher. I don't like echo chambers. I want people around me that will question me and the way we’ve done things in the past, so we can move forward into the next generation.”
Jerod Mayo is introduced as New England Patriots head coach.
Cred: WTIC 1080
Mayo’s initiative of “moving forward” was a common theme throughout his introduction on Wednesday, with team owner Robert Kraft not only echoing his sentiments, but praising Mayo’s development as a professionally lifelong Patriot.
“The most successful businesses remain successful when you develop talent from within,” Kraft said “Iv’e learned to trust my instincts and I trust Jerod is the right person to lead the Patriots back to championship-level contention and long-term success.”
Accordingly, Mayo seemingly defines the concept of “talent from within.” Mayo was originally drafted by the Patriots in the first round (10th overall) of the 2008 draft out of Tennessee and spent his entire NFL career in New England before retiring following the 2015 season. Mayo played linebacker and appeared in 103 games during his career, racking up 905 total tackles. He was named captain for seven consecutive seasons (2009-15) and is a 2014 Super Bowl Champion.
Having joined the Patriots coaching staff in 2019, Mayo served under Belichick as inside linebackers coach for the past five season. New England’s defense finished in the top-10 in total defense four times — with the 2019 unit finishing No. 1 in the NFL in total defense (275.9 yards per game) and scoring (14.1 points allowed per game). Despite operating without the title of “defensive coordinator” throughout his tenure in Foxboro, Mayo’s role and responsibilities grew annually for each of the past five seasons. He has been intricately involved in the defensive play calling strategy, essentially carrying out the duties of an unofficial co-defensive coordinator. His ability to communicate and mentor has earned him the respect of his peers and players alike.
Despite finishing with a 4-13 record, the Patriots’ defense played at a surprisingly high level under Mayo’s direction. New England entered the final Week of the regular season ranked at No. 6 in overall defense in the NFL, allowing a defensive yards average of 304.6, as well as 19.2 yards-per-game. The Pats defense ranked seventh overall in yards allowed by season’s end.
Still, the 37-year-old made it clear that he will not be attempting to fill the shoes of his famous predecessor. Instead, he is looking to plant the “seeds” of success for both the short and long term of the franchise for which he is now the steward.
“I’m not trying to be Bill,” Mayo said. “I’m viewing where are are as gardening...we're not in the watering stage yet. Right now we're planting seeds … the passion, the energy … we need to get all of that in one place.”
In addition to ushering in a new era on the field for the Patriots, Mayo’s hiring also signifies a milestone for the franchise itself. He is now the first black coach in Patriots history, and it is a distinction in which he takes great pride. Following his retirement as a player in 2015, Mayo served as an executive in finance at Optum as vice president of business development before returning to the Patriots in 2019. Mayo cited his time with the organization as having taught him a great deal about the benefits of a diverse working environment.
“Being at Optum allowed me to learn a lot about inclusion and diversity, Mayo said. “And those lessons carried me here today.
“You better believe being the first black coach here in New England means a lot to me,” Mayo continued emphatically.
When asked if Mayo’s race may have played a role in his hiring, Kraft made it abundantly clear that his new head coach was hired on merit, reiterating his faith in Mayo’s ability to lead his team.
"I don’t really see color in those regards,” Kraft said. “He happens to be a man of color … But I chose him because I think he's the best man to do the job."
Mayo was quick to add that his ascension to the role of Patriots head coach is not something to which people should turn a blind eye.
"I do see color,” Mayo said. “If you don't see color, you can't see racism."
In the final analysis, it is a new day for the New England Patriots. Both Kraft and Mayo are seemingly on the same page as they turn their attention to building the personnel to improve their on-field product. Affectionately referring to the team owner as “Thundercat,” Mayo acknowledged that he will be able to enjoy the achievement of becoming Patriots head coach with his family for the first time tonight.
And, in true Patriot fashion, he will not be resting on his laurels for long.
“We're turning up tonight,” Mayo described. “ But, back to work tomorrow."
Though change is good, maybe some things were meant to stay the same after all.
