Whether you’re a Patriots fan or not, the fact of the matter is we’re all going to miss Bill Belichick this coming season.
Some more than others, yes. But still, no matter how we shake it, NFL sidelines will have a huge void in 2024 without the shredded hoodie marching up and down them.
Belichick is out – and new head coach Jerod Mayo is in.
While some Patriots fans felt the Belichick era had more than ran its course and were willing to move on from the GOAT, they were at least hoping that a proven, experienced coach such as Mike Vrabel would be his replacement.
Vrabel in many ways was looked at as the coach-in-waiting (from afar) when it became clear than Josh McDaniels was out of the picture.
However, owner Robert Kraft allegedly made a promise to Mayo that he would be Belichick’s successor.
On paper, that sounds like a very foolish and unnecessary promise to have made, but only time will truly tell.
Mayo has wasted no time tearing down all signs of Belichick’s previous existence.
Long gone is all of the “Do Your Job” signage around the stadium and facility.
Mayo certainly deserves a chance to establish his own identity with the Patriots. After all, no one wants to be kept in the shadows when you’re the new guy on the block who’s trying to establish your own team culture.
The multiple reports indicating that he’s been slow to learn the coaching ropes has to be a little concerning though – especially when it reportedly cost the team practice time on the field.
You can count Patriots defensive end Keion White as someone who’s desperately missing his old coach.
Speaking to MassLive, White admitted that he misses Belichick’s “hard-ass” coaching approach around the facility.
“We don’t got Bill cursing us out every play anymore,” White said, highlighting the stark contrast between the two coaches’ styles.
Reflecting on his preference for Belichick’s methods, White admitted, “I know, I miss it … I like Bill. He’s my type of coach, like a hard-ass. I like that. I respond well to things like that.”
However, White was quick to commend Mayo for his authentic approach, emphasizing that Mayo has earned his respect by not trying to be someone he’s not.
“Mayo’s done a pretty good job too. It’s all different. Mayo’s doing a really good job of staying true to himself, not trying to fill somebody else’s shoes, but create his own path, and I really respect that.”
White elaborated on his ability to adapt to various coaching styles, as long as they are genuine.
“For me, I can respond to any coaching style as long as you’re genuine,” he explained. “So if you’re a friendly coach, and you try to be a hard ass, I’m gonna see through that and challenge the (expletive). And if you’re a hard-ass coach and trying to be super friendly because you’re trying to cater to certain players, I’m gonna see through that.
“I’d much rather you just be yourself and be who you are – and that’s what Mayo’s doing and I respect that.”
Mayo was a well-respected leader throughout his playing career.
Tom Brady and Julian Edelman are two of the many former Patriots stars who have praised Mayo’s ability and stated their loyal support for him.
As Mayo evidently knows – he doesn’t need to be Bill Belichick 2.0 … He just needs to be Jerod Mayo 1.0.
Patriots fans are just hoping that Mayo 1.0 is good enough.
What are your overall thoughts on the Mayo hire?
Do you think the Patriots will end up missing Belichick much more than they realize?
At the end of the day, will Mayo end up working out? … Will he still be the head coach in five years?
As for Belichick, where do you think his next coaching job will be???