Youngest Head Coach in NFL History
According to NFL Network, former New England Patriots linebacker Jerod Mayo will be succeeding Bill Belichick as the team’s head coach. Mayo, 37, spent his entire career with the Patriots, from 2008-2015, and rejoined the organization as an inside linebackers coach in 2019.
Making history, Mayo will become the youngest head coach in the NFL, surpassing coach Sean McVay by a mere month. Mayo was selected by the Patriots in the first round of the draft out of the University of Tennessee and went on to achieve great success during his playing days, totaling 905 tackles in 103 games. He was named to the Pro Bowl twice and led the league in tackles.
Belichick and Patriots Part Ways After 24 Years
After a remarkable 24-year tenure, Bill Belichick and the Patriots have agreed to part ways. In a press conference, Belichick expressed his gratitude towards the players, staffers, and fans who contributed to the team’s success throughout his lengthy tenure.
“Players win games in the NFL,” Belichick said. “I’ve been very, very fortunate to coach some of the best to ever play the game.”
Robert Kraft, the longtime team owner, also addressed the amicable parting of ways, highlighting the rare and productive nature of their partnership.
“Like a good marriage, a successful head coach-owner relationship requires a lot of work. I’m really proud our partnership lasted 24 years. I don’t think in the NFL there has been any other partnership that lasted longer and has been as productive as ours,” Kraft said.
Belichick Allowed to Leave without Compensation
Despite having one year remaining on his contract, Belichick was allowed to leave the Patriots without compensation. He expressed his desire to continue coaching in the NFL, leaving a legacy that will be difficult to replace.
“It’ll be difficult to see him in a cutoff hoodie on the sideline, but I’ll always wish him continued success, except when it’s against the beloved Patriots,” Kraft said, according to ESPN.
Looking Ahead for the Patriots
The Patriots have experienced a downturn in recent years, missing the playoffs in three of the last four seasons. With Mayo at the helm, the organization hopes to regain their winning ways and return to championship contention.
While the departure of Belichick marks the end of an era, it also signifies the beginning of a new chapter for the Patriots, with Mayo poised to lead the team into the future.
Contributed by Fox News’ Chantz Martin