The New England Patriots wasted little time in naming the successor to Bill Belichick as head coach, as multiple sources Friday morning reported that Jerod Mayo would indeed be the next HC of the NEP.
Excitement and uncertainty are in the air in Patriots Nation over the fourth coach the Kraft family has hired since taking over the Patriots 30+ years ago. Reactions to his hiring have poured in from all over, from analysts to fans, players to media and more.
The reaction from fans seems mixed at the moment. Perhaps Mayo having been groomed at the side of Belichick and only knowing the Patriots as player and coach is too familiar for some? He is also the youngest coach in the franchise’s history and the NFL now at 37 years of age, though the league seems to be trending toward younger coaches by the season.
The reaction, however, from people who either wore the Patriots colors for a living or who now don the uniform on Sundays seems incredibly positive. A host of former players and Super Bowl champions who gave their heart and soul for the team and were loyal as can be to Bill Belichick voiced their excitement for and confidence in Mayo, highlighting his intelligence, people skills and ability to be like Belichick but yet his own man as reasons to be excited for his tenure.
Even linebacker Jamie Collins who had multiple stints with Bill Belichick called Mayo “the ultimate Patriot”. Ringing endorsements indeed.
As far as current players go? They seem to be over the moon about the hire, signaling a connection to the coach and an enthusiasm for his style and energy. Many players wasted no time in taking to their respective social media accounts to share their excitement.
Who knows if JuJu Smith-Schuster will be healthy enough in his second season with the Patriots to contribute more than his disappointing 2023, but saying, “Oh we gonna be lit!” speaks volumes to the roster's zest for the new coach.
While some may wonder if the new coach will be an allure or deterrent to free agents coming to New England, Mass Live’s Mark Daniels reported Friday morning that a current Pats free agent made signing in New England a priority now that Mayo is in charge. An encouraging update indeed.
Owner Robert Kraft made his feelings on Mayo and his belief in him to be a successful head coach in the NFL known last spring at the owners meetings. You could even say ownership tipped their hand by announcing they were making a play to keep Mayo in the fold last winter in the press release that immediately followed the end of the 2022 season. Ownership is excited. Fans are trending in that direction. And players of days gone by and games to come seem exhilarated over the news. Mayo has his work cut out for him now, and a lot of hiring to do. But if the thrill players are sharing over his new title can somehow turn into results on the field? Things may well be lit indeed this fall and beyond.
