The Patriots entered a new era for their franchise in 2024.
After Tom Brady left the team for Tampa Bay a while back, New England had continued to search for its next franchise quarterback while still being led by Bill Belichick. However, Patriots owner Robert Kraft opted to let Belichick go after the 2023 season, officially ending the dynasty run New England had in the 2000s behind Brady and Belichick.
Jerod Mayo stepped in as head coach with some big shoes to fill. But the early results this season for New England have been encouraging: Despite some media and fans chalking up the Patriots as bottom feeders entering 2024, they're off to a 1-1 start and have remained competitive under Mayo as he seeks to build a new Patriots culture.
Mayo's time as a player in the league has certainly helped him prepare for his new role. However, some fans are unfamiliar with Mayo's time on the the gridiron.
As the Patriots get set to take on the Jets in Week 3 on "Thursday Night Football," here's the background to know on the Mayo's playing career and what steps he took before becoming New England's next head coach.
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What team did Jerod Mayo play for?
After playing at Tennessee in college, Mayo, a former linebacker, was taken 10th overall by the Patriots in the 2008 NFL Draft. He never played for any other franchise.
Coming in as a highly-touted prospect, Mayo inked a five-year rookie deal with New England to begin his career. Right off the bat, he was named the league's Defensive Rookie of the Month for October 2008, and a standout rookie season (128 total tackles) earned Mayo the Defensive Rookie of the Year award for 2008.
Mayo remained with the Patriots over the next seven seasons and was selected to two Pro Bowls, also earning a five-year extension in 2011.
Injuries affected Mayo's career, eventually leading to his retirement. He had a sprained MCL in 2009, a torn pec in 2013, a torn patellar tendon in 2014 and a shoulder injury in 2015.
After the 2015 season, Mayo announced his retirement. He spent his entire eight-year career with New England, a loyalty which later paid off as he ascended in the coaching ranks with a franchise he knew very well.
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Jerod Mayo career stats
Even through his injuries, Mayo remained one of the NFL's best linebackers. When healthy, he was extremely productive on the field, and he was a part of the 2011 Patriots team that reached the Super Bowl and the 2014 Patriots team that won it all.
Here's a look at Mayo's year-by-year numbers as a player in the NFL, all of them with the Patriots, before he got into coaching.
| Year | Games | Total Tackles | Sacks | FFs | INTs | PD |
| 2008 | 16 | 128 | 0.0 | 1 | 0 | 4 |
| 2009 | 13 | 103 | 1.5 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| 2010 | 16 | 174 | 2.0 | 1 | 0 | 5 |
| 2011 | 14 | 95 | 1.0 | 1 | 2 | 4 |
| 2012 | 16 | 147 | 3.0 | 4 | 1 | 3 |
| 2013 | 6 | 55 | 1.5 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| 2014 | 6 | 53 | 1.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 | 16 | 47 | 1.0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Career | 103 | 802 | 11.0 | 8 | 3 | 19 |
Jerod Mayo coaching history
Mayo joined New England as an inside linebackers coach in 2019, eventually earning the head coaching role in the 2024 offseason. Here's a look at his coaching timeline, with all of his experience coming with the Patriots.
| Year | Role | Patriots record, result |
| 2019 | ILB coach | 12-4, lost in Wild Card round |
| 2020 | ILB coach | 7-9, missed playoffs |
| 2021 | ILB coach | 10-7, lost in Wild Card round |
| 2022 | ILB coach | 8-9, missed playoffs |
| 2023 | LB coach | 4-13, missed playoffs |
| 2024 | Head coach | 1-1 (current) |