As the 24-year journey of Bill Belichick’s rule at the New England Patriots ended. Robert Kraft did not waste much time to promote Jerod Mayo to the head coaching position. But what perplexed many is the unwillingness to find other candidates. Why were the Patriots in such a hurry?
The Patriots weren’t short of many quality candidates. Either at other franchises or from college football. But Belichick’s job was handed over in less than 24 hours of his removal. For a team with such a historical background, the decision seems rushed, especially under the new reports.
Bill Belichick moves on and the Patriots don’t look too far
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Jared Meyo has spent all his professional years with the Patriots. Earlier as a player till 2015, then as a linebacker coach till 2024. Now he holds the top position. But reports suggest that the Patriots’ management did not even look at worthy candidates like Jim Harbaugh, Mike Vrabel, and Ben Johnson.
The New England Patriots never reached out to a single person including the hot names like Jim Harbaugh, Mike Vrabel, or even Ben Johnson, per sources. They made their decision less than a day after firing Belichick with a plan in place.
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) January 12, 2024
Harbaugh earlier this month won the CFP National Championship with the Michigan State. Vrabel on the other hand was let go by the Carolina Panthers due to differences in ideologies, after delivering unprecedented success for 5 years. Johnson is the highly acclaimed OC for the Detroit Lions.
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For months speculations had been rising that Belichick would be let go after yet another lackluster season. But nobody expected Mayo to get the job. Mayo’s contract extension last season had a succession clause for him to be elevated to the HC job. And the Patriots honored that, but will this decision come back to haunt them?
A new era at the Patriots?
With Belichick and the Patriots parting ways, a new era is expected to start for the Boston-based team. But, will Mayo bring in new ideas or will the heir also work like his boss? As stated, Belichick is the only man Mayo has worked under in his professional career. The Super Bowl champion has ingrained Belichick’s system during both his playing as well as coaching days.
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Now that he is the top boss, does he have the chops to bring something different to the table? Or will it be a continuation of Bill Belichick and his policies?
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