Patriots succession plan: Jerod Mayo replaces Bill Belichick

Former player Jerod Mayo was named head coach by the New England Patriots. He was hand-picked to replace Bill Belichick.

The New England Patriots announced on Friday that Jerod Mayo, a hand-picked successor, will be taking over as the head coach following the departure of Bill Belichick. This comes as part of owner Robert Kraft's succession plan, with Mayo being identified as the coach-in-waiting back in 2023. The team made the official announcement on social media and Mayo will be introduced as the head coach in a news conference on Wednesday.

Since the contractual replacement plan erases the need for the Patriots to follow league hiring rules, it is unclear whether Kraft interviewed other candidates or discussed the opening with members of the current Patriots' staff. The next step for the team is to hire a general manager to fill the other part of Belichick's dual role. Reports suggest that Mayo will be involved in the decision process before the new personnel boss is hired.

Mayo's familiarity with the "Patriot Way" is well established, having played linebacker for the team and served as an inside linebackers coach. He has not coached or played outside the organization. In a statement following Sunday's season-ending loss, Mayo expressed his readiness for the opportunity, indicating that he was prepared and looking forward to it.

Kraft had previously mentioned that Mayo was a candidate to replace Belichick at the league's March meetings in 2023. Belichick, who will turn 72 in April, drafted Mayo 10th overall in 2008, and the two-time Pro Bowl pick played with New England until 2015. Mayo has been a member of the Patriots' staff since 2019 and was part of the team's Super Bowl XLIX-winning roster in 2015.

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