New England Patriots hire 37-year-old Jerod Mayo as head coach – report

Jerod Mayo has been hired to replace Bill Belichick as head coach of the New England Patriots, ESPN reported on Friday.

The 37-year-old Mayo, who has been the Patriots’ inside linebackers coach under Belichick since 2019, will become the youngest head coach in the NFL when he is formally introduced next week.

Last week, Mayo spoke to the Associated Press about the invaluable perspective he gained during New England’s worst season under Belichick and how it would help if he was given the opportunity to lead a team.

“When I think about when I get my chance – and I don’t know when that will be – I’m honestly like a dry leaf blowing in the wind wherever it takes me,” Mayo said. . “But at the same time I feel like I’m prepared. I feel like I’m ready. I look forward to the opportunity wherever it may arise.”

Mayo, who played eight seasons for New England, won a Super Bowl ring with the team during the 2014 season and was hired as an assistant coach in 2019.

In the later role he has since built a reputation as being highly respected among the players. Together with outside linebackers coach and defensive play-caller Stephen Belichick, they have led a Patriots defense that continued to rank highly in several categories despite the early loss of top linebacker Matt Judon and rookie cornerback Christian Gonzalez to injuries late in the season ended.

More to follow.