Patriots to hire former player Jerod Mayo as Bill Belichick successor: reports

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The New England Patriots have reportedly hired the man to replace Bill Belichick. 

Jerod Mayo, an assistant coach in New England since 2019 and a former Patriots player, has been hired as the next head coach in Foxborough, Massachusetts, and will be introduced next week, according to multiple reports. 

New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick, right, and outside linebackers coach Jerod Mayo talk against the Miami Dolphins during the fourth quarter at Hard Rock Stadium on Jan. 9, 2022 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Mayo had it written into his contract that he would succeed Belichick, according to NFL Network. 

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Mayo, 37, spent his entire career with the Patriots, playing linebacker for New England from 2008-2015. He rejoined the organization as an inside linebackers coach in 2019. 

He will be the youngest head coach in the NFL, taking the title from Los Angeles Rams coach Sean McVay, who is a month older than Mayo. 

As a player, Mayo was selected by New England in the first round of the 2008 NFL Draft out of the University of Tennessee. In his eight NFL seasons, Mayo totaled 905 tackles in 103 games. He was named to the Pro Bowl in 2010 and 2012 after leading the NFL in tackles. 

After 24 years and six championships, Belichick and the Patriots agreed to part ways on Thursday. 

New England Patriots linebackers coach Jerod Mayo looks on during the game against the Washington Commanders at Gillette Stadium on Nov. 5, 2023 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

Belichick held a relatively brief press