Jerrod Mayo Takes on New Role

Jerrod Mayo has a new gig. And, surprisingly, it’s not in sports.

The former head coach of the Patriots stepped into the position of managing director at Fifth Down Capital, a private equity firm, back in February, as noted in his LinkedIn profile.

According to the firm’s website, “Jerrod joins Fifth Down as a managing director. Before this role, he had a notable career as a player and coach with the New England Patriots.”

In addition to his sports journey, Mayo has been involved in investing and advising private companies for over ten years. He’s recognized for his disciplined leadership approach, focus on preparedness and accountability, and knack for building trust-based relationships. He also holds a degree in political science from the University of Tennessee.

Based in Massachusetts, Fifth Down claims to work with “generational companies and attractive fund managers,” employing strategies that include direct investment, funds of funds, and secondary investments.

Mayo’s return to the workforce comes a year after his departure from the Patriots, where he had just a single season that ended with a dismal 4-13 record.

Before taking charge as head coach in the 2024 season, he had been the linebackers coach for the team from 2019 to 2023.

On the field, Mayo was a standout player for the Patriots from 2008 to 2015, securing a Super Bowl win, achieving two Pro Bowl nominations, and earning All-Pro honors.

This isn’t Mayo’s first venture into the business realm. While playing and coaching, he was also vice president of business development at Optum, where he contributed to the company’s growth by forming strategic partnerships and seeking out new business opportunities.