Jerod Mayo Sr. is the head coach of the New England Patriots in the NFL, having succeeded Bill Belichick in 2024.
A former linebacker, Mayo played for the Patriots from 2008 to 2015, earning accolades such as Defensive Rookie of the Year and multiple Pro Bowl selections.
He began his coaching career with the Patriots in 2019 before being promoted to head coach.
Mayo’s leadership style emphasizes strong defensive strategies, reflecting his playing experience.
He is also notable for being the first Black head coach in Patriots history.
Siblings
Jerod has a large family, including four brothers and two sisters.
Notably, his younger brother Deron Mayo played linebacker for the Calgary Stampeders in the CFL and is currently the head strength and conditioning coach for the New England Patriots.
Another brother, Derek Mayo, is a graduate of Richmond and won the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision title in 2008.
Career
Mayo began his football journey at the University of Tennessee, where he played college football from 2005 to 2007.
Known for his athleticism and football intelligence, Mayo emerged as a standout linebacker during his time at Tennessee.
His impressive performance led to his selection by the New England Patriots as the 10th overall pick in the first round of the 2008 NFL Draft, marking the start of a significant professional career.
In his rookie season with the Patriots, Mayo made an immediate impact on the field, recording an impressive 138 tackles.
This outstanding performance earned him the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award, showcasing his ability to read plays and make crucial tackles.
Throughout his playing career, he was recognized for his exceptional skills and was selected to the Pro Bowl in both 2010 and 2012.
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Mayo’s leadership qualities shone through as he served as a team captain, playing a pivotal role in the Patriots’ defense during multiple playoff runs and contributing to a Super Bowl appearance.
After seven successful seasons with the Patriots, Jerod Mayo announced his retirement from professional football in 2015 due to injuries.
He concluded his playing career with a total of 802 tackles, 6.5 sacks, and several interceptions, leaving behind a legacy as one of the top linebackers in the league.
Following his retirement, Mayo quickly transitioned into coaching by joining the New England Patriots as an inside linebackers coach in 2019.
His familiarity with the team’s culture and defensive schemes made him a valuable addition to the coaching staff.
In this role, he focused on developing young talent within the linebacker corps, emphasizing fundamentals, tackling techniques, and understanding defensive strategies.
His experience as a player allowed him to relate well to his players and provide them with insights drawn from his own career.
In January 2024, Mayo was promoted to head coach of the New England Patriots, making history as the first Black head coach in the franchise’s history.
In this new role, he has emphasized strong defensive strategies while also focusing on building a cohesive team culture.
Accolades
Mayo’s accolades throughout his NFL career are notable and reflect his impact on the field.
He was selected to the Pro Bowl twice, following standout seasons in 2010 and 2012, where he led the league in tackles.
In 2010, he also earned Associated Press first-team All-Pro honors.
Mayo was recognized as the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2008, becoming just the second player in Patriots history to receive this award.
Additionally, he played a crucial role in the Patriots’ Super Bowl XLIX championship win in 2014, further solidifying his legacy as one of the franchise’s greats.