Patriots name Jerod Mayo as Bill Belichick replacement

The New England Patriots have moved quickly to hire a new head coach after parting ways with Bill Belichick.

Jerod Mayo has been named the new head coach of the Patriots, according to multiple reports. The team is expected to announce the decision in a press conference next week.

Mayo played for the Patriots from 2008-15 and has been a member of the team’s coaching staff since 2019, most recently as its linebackers coach.

The hire doesn't come as a surprise, as Mayo is highly regarded by Patriots owner Robert Kraft and he has long been rumored to be the coach-in-waiting. Last offseason, New England warded off interest from other teams by announcing that they were working on a new contract with the 37-year-old.

There was some speculation that the Patriots could alter their plan after Mike Vrabel — another former Pats linebacker — was unexpectedly fired by the Tennessee Titans. That did not inspire Kraft to deviate from his succession plan.