Belichick Departs After 24 Seasons As Patriots Head Coach
Legendary New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick announced that he is mutually parting ways with the Patriots after serving an unprecedented 24 years as head coach. Belichick departs after leading the Patriots to unrivaled success that includes 6 Super Bowl championships, 17 division titles, and 13 AFC Championship Game appearances.
However, the Patriots struggled in recent seasons after star quarterback Tom Brady’s departure in 2020, only reaching the playoffs once since then. This ultimately led to Belichick’s exit, as the Patriots finished with a league-worst 13 losses this season and placed last in the AFC East division for the first time in 24 years under Belichick.
At a press conference announcing his departure, Patriots owner Robert Kraft praised Belichick as “the greatest coach of all time,” while acknowledging his success will likely never be matched.
Jerod Mayo Promoted As Youngest Active NFL Head Coach
Just one day after Belichick’s exit, the Patriots announced they have promoted linebackers coach Jerod Mayo to become the new head coach. At 37 years old, Mayo becomes the youngest active head coach in the NFL.
Mayo is a former Patriots linebacker himself, having played 8 seasons with the team from 2008-2015. He was on the roster when the Patriots won Super Bowl XLIX in 2015 before retiring soon after. Mayo then rejoined the Patriots coaching staff in 2019 under Belichick’s guidance.
Last season, Mayo signed a long-term contract extension as speculation grew that he was being groomed to eventually take over as head coach from Belichick. This came to fruition quicker than expected, as Mayo now steps in to replace a legendary coach.
Mayo Makes History As First Black Head Coach For Patriots
In being appointed the Patriots’ new head coach, Mayo also attains an important historical milestone. He becomes the first Black head coach in the franchise’s 64-year history.
Mayo admits he feels well prepared to take on the head coach role, saying “I feel like I’m prepared. I feel like I’m ready.” He now faces the tall task of rebuilding the Patriots into contenders again after a rough 2022 season.
The trailblazing hire also comes as the NFL has faced criticism in recent years over a lack of diversity among head coaches. Before Mayo’s hiring, there were only 3 Black head coaches in the league. Patriots owner Robert Kraft had previously been outspoken about equality efforts, and Mayo’s promotion displays the organization’s commitment to diversity.
Mayo will be formally introduced as the new Patriots head coach at a press conference on Wednesday, January 17th, the team announced. Expectations will be high for the young, first-time head coach to return the struggling Patriots to prominence. But the historic nature of Mayo’s hiring signifies a major breakthrough for the franchise.
