Jerod Mayo's "hello" began the same as Bill Belichick's "goodbye" - with a hug from owner Robert Kraft at Gillette Stadium.
But it didn't take long to realize things are different - and about to change drastically - for the New England Patriots.
"I'm not trying to be Bill," Mayo said Wednesday at a press conference officially introducing him as the Patriots new head coach. "If you can't tell by now, I'm a little bit different. Even up here."
Engaging. Forthcoming. Even - gasp! - smiling and joking, Mayo's first official interaction with media and fans was wholly anti-Belichick. The gruff coach won six Super Bowls in Foxboro but kept a surly, tight-lighted persona.
Other stark contrasts from Belichick to Mayo: The new coach refers to Kraft as "Thunder," and says he will hire and name specific coordinators for offense, defense and special teams because "titles are important."
Immediately after an eight-year Patriots playing career in which he was an All-Pro linebacker that won a Super Bowl ring, Mayo took a detour from football and coaching. For four years he co-hosted a Patriots show on NBC Sports Boston, was vice president at a business development company (Optum) and served on Boston Medical Center’s Board of Trustees.
Joked Mayo, "I needed a break from Bill."
Mayo, 37, is the first head coach introduced by the Patriots since Belichick on January 27, 2000. He's the 15th coach in franchise history, and the first African-American.
"We're going to be competitive," he said of the Patriots in 2024 in the wake of a disastrous 4-13 season that was the catalyst for Belichick leaving the organization after 24 years. "We're going to be better."
Mayo, 37, is the first head coach introduced by the Patriots since Belichick on January 27, 2000. He's the 15th coach in franchise history, and the first African-American.
Said Mayo, "You better believe being the first black head coach here in New England means a lot to me."
Among the attendees were Patriots quarterback Mac Jones and franchise Hall of Famer Andre Tippett.
"Jerod is going to lead us to back to championshp-level contention," Kraft said.
In another sign that the culture - and comedic value - of the Patriots has changed overnight, as Kraft inadvertently butchered the name of one of Mayo's brothers, the new coach stepped in.
"It's one of those black names," Mayo joked, "I'll help you with that."
More must-reads: