The New England Patriots have a new man leading their organization for the first time in over two decades, as Jerod Mayo was named the team's new head coach this offseason after the team parted ways with Bill Belichick.
Mayo played linebacker for New England from 2008-15 and then joined the coaching staff and served as inside linebackers coach from 2019-23, so he's not exactly a newcomer. And, while he may have a completely different personality than Belichick, he got to see and pick his brain for years.
The Patriots could have a better roster in 2024 but still finish with a worse record considering the changes and how difficult their schedule is. However, that's not stopping former Patriots defensive lineman Vince Wilfork from believing that Mayo's tenure as the team's head coach will be a success.
"Everybody knows a middle linebacker is the quarterback of a defense," Wilfork said while speaking with MusketFire. "And that's what he was. And you got to understand, he had guys around him, veteran guys around him with leadership qualities, but he was the one that was Captain. Bill saw it in him. So, I knew right then and there that he would have a successful career, not only a career going into the coaching field, being able to be coached and drafted from the greatest coach of all time.
And now, all of a sudden, he's in the driver's seat. I think that is the perfect situation to be in because I think where he's at in life, with his age and his ability to touch these kids on a younger scale, I think Bill kind of didn't have that because Bill was so old school. But I think right now he is the best situation for us to be in and I think he will be fine."
The young, relatable coach is great to have, but it will only get them so far. Mayo needs to be able to handle his guys masterfully and be the leader he was when he was a captain. If he can't do those things, he won't remain in New England long.
