For the first time in 24 years, the New England Patriots will have a new head coach.
On Friday morning, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported the Patriots had hired former inside linebackers coach Jerod Mayo as the man to replace legendary coach Bill Belichick.
It was a decision that has reportedly been in the works ever since Mayo signed his last contract, which had the former Patriots linebacker as the succession plan for Belichick.
Once the team and Belichick agreed to go their separate ways on Thursday, owner Robert Kraft stuck with the plan and hired Mayo as the new head coach. Even with other enticing options out there, like former Tennessee Titans coach Mike Vrabel, Kraft didn’t waver in his decision.
While there has been mixed opinions on the hiring from fans, there has been universal praise from current and past Patriots. Here’s what players were saying about the hiring on social media:
Congrats to Mayo! He definitely will be a great head coach https://t.co/DVjfckGvCM
— James White (@SweetFeet_White) January 12, 2024
Tedy Bruschi on the Patriots hiring Jerod Mayo as head coach of the Patriots (via @GetUpESPN)
"I think you're getting the best of both worlds with Jerod Mayo… There's a little bit of Bill Belichick, but then there's not… They got the right guy here in Jerod Mayo.'
— Sophie Weller (@sophieewellerr) January 12, 2024
RKK!!!!!!!!!!!! 👏🏾 👏🏾
Jerod is an amazing person and coach on the rise. What a perfect promotion.Congratulations @Patriots!!! https://t.co/4RxnBtIQLi
— Benjamin Watson (@BenjaminSWatson) January 12, 2024
