The New England Patriots and Bill Belichick have mutually agreed to part ways after 24 seasons and six Super Bowl championships. And now everyone wants to know who will replace perhaps the greatest head football coach of all time.
Apparently someone on the Patriots' staff is the frontrunner.
NFL Network reported that Patriots linebackers coach Jerod Mayo, who played linebackers under Belichick, is a “leading candidate” to replace Belichick.
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New England Patriots manager Jerod Mayo during a game at State Farm Stadium on December 12, 2022 in Glendale, Arizona. (Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
The Patriots reportedly have a “firm contractual succession plan” for Mayo to be the team's next head coach, and the NFL already knows that. NFL Network pointed out that this has happened in the past. Jim Mora similarly replaced Mike Holmgren as head coach of the Seattle Seahawks in 2009.
The Patriots announced this time last year that Mayo had received a contract extension to “remain with the team long-term.” Apparently, there is language in Belichick's contract if he leaves.
After going 4-13 this season, Belichick and team owner Robert Kraft parted ways.
Kraft has already said in the past that Mayo would be a strong candidate to replace Belichick.
Inside with New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick speaking on the sideline during the fourth quarter of a game against the Miami Dolphins on January 9, 2022 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. linebackers coach Jerrod Mayo; (Mark Brown/Getty Images)
Mayo was hired as the team's inside linebackers coach in 2019 and has been on Belichick's staff ever since. Mayo's current status on the team is unclear, but New England clearly views him as a strong leader.
The organization is also well aware of Mayo's on-field contributions to the organization during his time with the Patriots from 2008 to 2015. He played on one of Belichick's Super Bowl teams and appeared in the Pro Bowl twice in his career.
Mayo totaled 802 tackles, eight forced fumbles, 11 sacks, and three interceptions in 103 regular season games.
But there is another former Patriots player who could be a candidate. The Tennessee Titans have surprisingly fired Patriots Hall of Fame head coach Mike Vrabel. Vrabel has had nothing but praise for the organization, but when he left, many believed his former team would be a perfect fit when Belichick left.
New England Patriots linebackers coach Jerrod Mayo before a game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on October 15, 2023 in Las Vegas. (Chris Unger/Getty Images)
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Belichick may be looking for his next opportunity in the NFL, but the Patriots may be able to move sooner than other organizations if Mayo is the guy they want.
