Robert Kraft’s Patriots have signed 17 new coaches under Jerod Mayo! As they gear up for the 2024 season, something different is happening in Gillette Stadium. Jerod Mayo, the newly appointed head coach after the departure of Bill Belichick, is making waves with his bold announcement of embracing a “CEO” coaching style.

In an exclusive interview with Sebastian Vollmer, Mayo shed light on his unique vision, stating, “It’s not about me moving pieces on a chessboard, it’s more about gardening–planting seeds in good soil, watering them every day, and ensuring there are no weeds in the soil.” Just ask Former Patriots safety Devin McCourty “When you hear him talk, he talks not just leadership in football but kind of CEO talk in life leading people,” McCourty said on NBC Sports’ Pro Football Talk in January.

While Belichick was renowned for his tactical genius and meticulous attention to detail, Mayo’s approach transcends the traditional realms of coaching. Belichick’s greatness was his ability to “ignore the noise” and maintain a focus on the team’s mission. His mantra of “Manage Expectations” and “Do Your Job” echoed throughout the organization. It brought in a culture of discipline and accountability that led to an unprecedented 6 Super Bowl Victories.

Meanwhile, Mayo’s leadership style draws from his experience as a player and business executive. “When you’re working with grown men, you can’t be a carpenter parent, hammering them to be a certain way,” Mayo explained. “I want to make sure I give our players the tools to get stuff done and manage themselves in a productive fashion.”

Drawing inspiration from his time in the business world at Optum, where he served as a Senior VP, Mayo’s philosophy mirrors that of a CEO. “Micromanaging slows down the decision-making process,” he asserted. “If I’m bringing in these coaches, it doesn’t make sense for me to micromanage them. They aspire to be coordinators and head coaches themselves, and I want to provide them with opportunities to develop their rooms.”

With a career spanning eight seasons and a Super Bowl win under Belichick, Mayo understands the intricacies of the player’s perspective. As Belichick’s strict discipline defined his coaching style, Mayo’s approach is of mentorship, communication, and building strong player-coach relationships. And this approach is easily visible during the ongoing OTAs.

Patriots’ OTAs and Mayo’s involvement

From praising fellow coach Matthew Slater for keeping things real, and telling it “how it is” to stating that QB Drake Maye is “doing well” and is “headed in the right direction“, HC Mayo has shown heavy involvement with his coaching staff as well as the players.

As the OTAs commenced for the Patriots this May, Jerod Mayo commented on the improvement of players like CB Alex Austin. He lauded Austin for finding his footing back, stating, “When we finished up last year he was one of those guys like – look this is an NFL player, and it’s good to see him coming back in shape and making plays.”

The spotlight is also shifting towards newer players like linebacker Oshane Ximines and defensive end William Bradley-King. Ximines, arrives in Foxborough from New York Giants, and is eager to make an impact and prove his worth in the Patriots. Bradley-King, from the Commanders, is gunning for a new opportunity on the Patriots’ roster as well.

As the Patriots’ front seven have Christian Barmore, Jahlani Tavai, and Ja’Whaun Bentley, depth in defense is a great move from the HC and team. The addition of Ximines and Bradley-King provides the necessary reinforcements, giving the team optimism heading into the 2024 season, and provides a clearer picture of Mayo’s mindset to enhance the active roster.

Mayo clearly aims to cultivate an environment where his coaching staff can thrive. He’s extending that same philosophy to the players, allowing players like Alex Austin, Ximines, and Bradley-King to shine. With this leadership and player development, the Patriots are looking for sustained success, crafted by their head coach.