Jerod Mayo

Mayo was born in Hampton, Virginia. He attended Kecoughtan High School in Hampton, where he earned three letters in football as a linebacker and a running back.{{Cite web |last=Francisco |first=Alexandra |date=January 18, 2024 |title=Jerod Mayo's high school football coach knew he was destined for coaching long ago: 'I can't take any credit' |url=https://www.patriots.com/news/jerod-mayo-s-high-school-football-coach-knew-he-was-destined-for-coaching-long-ago-i-can-t-take-any-credit |access-date=February 26, 2024 |website=Patriots.com |language=en-US |archive-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240226144634/https://www.patriots.com/news/jerod-mayo-s-high-school-football-coach-knew-he-was-destined-for-coaching-long-ago-i-can-t-take-any-credit |url-status=live }} As a senior, Mayo recorded 110 tackles, including 18 for loss, and two interceptions. Also playing running back for seven games, he picked up 1,245 rushing yards and scored 13 touchdowns and five two-point conversions during his final campaign. As a junior, he recorded 68 tackles including 22 for loss, four interceptions and three sacks and earned first-team All-District, All-Area and All-Region honors.

Considered a four-star recruit by Rivals.com, Mayo ranked eleventh among outside linebackers nationwide.{{cite web|title=Outside linebackers 2004|url=https://footballrecruiting.rivals.com/viewrank.asp?ra_key=535|work=Rivals.com|date=January 25, 2004|access-date=May 7, 2009|archive-date=August 24, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070824222034/http://footballrecruiting.rivals.com/viewrank.asp?ra_key=535|url-status=live}}

He chose Tennessee over North Carolina State, Purdue, Virginia, and Virginia Tech.{{Cite web |title=Jerod Mayo, 2004 Outside Linebacker, Tennessee |url=https://rivals.com/content/athletes/jerod-mayo-28838?view=pv |access-date=February 26, 2024 |website=Rivals.com |language=en-US}}

Jerod's younger brother, Deron Mayo, was a linebacker for the Calgary Stampeders of the Canadian Football League.{{Cite magazine |last=D'Abate |first=Mike |date=February 18, 2024 |title=Patriots Promoting Mayo Brother to Strength Coach? |url=https://www.si.com/nfl/patriots/news/new-england-patriots-deron-mayo-jerod-promote-strength-conditioning-coach-brother |access-date=February 26, 2024 |magazine=Sports Illustrated |language=en}}

While attending the University of Tennessee, Mayo played for the Tennessee Volunteers football team from 2004 to 2007.{{Cite web |title=Jerod Mayo |url=http://www.utsports.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/mayo_jerod00.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131227071906/http://www.utsports.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/mayo_jerod00.html |archive-date=December 27, 2013 |access-date=December 26, 2013 |website=Tennessee Volunteers Athletics |publisher=CBS Interactive}} After redshirting the 2004 season, he appeared in six games at weak-side outside linebacker in 2005, finishing with 13 tackles (10 solo). Mayo made the Volunteers starting lineup as a redshirt sophomore in 2006, as he started 11 contests at weak-side outside linebacker. He finished third on the team with 83 tackles (48 solos), including five sacks for minus 40 yards, 12.5 stops for losses of 51 yards and a quarterback pressure. He also recovered one fumble and deflected a pass. Rivals.com subsequently named him to their All-American second-team.

For his junior season, Mayo moved to middle linebacker and started all 14 games. Serving as the defensive squad's co-captain, he went on to register 140 tackles in 2007, the most by a Tennessee defender since Earnest Fields registered those same totals for the Volunteers in 1990. He added 1.5 quarterback sacks for minus 11 yards, 8.5 stops for losses and five quarterback pressures, and also returned an interception 34 yards for a touchdown. Mayo was a first-team All-Southeastern Conference selection and also earned All-American second-team honors by The NFL Draft Report.

Mayo was considered one of the best linebackers available in the 2008 NFL draft and drew comparisons to Will Witherspoon.{{cite web|title=Pro Football War Room: Jerod Mayo Profile|url=http://warroom.sportingnews.com/nfl/draft/2008/players/7971.html|work=Sporting News|access-date=May 26, 2009|archive-date=August 13, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090813095014/http://warroom.sportingnews.com/nfl/draft/2008/players/7971.html|url-status=dead}} Sporting News described Mayo as a “perfect fit to play one of the inside spots” in a 3-4 defense.

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| note = Vertical and Bench from Tennessee Pro Day; all others from NFL Scouting Combine{{cite web |url=https://www.nfl.com/prospects/jerod-mayo/32004d41-5965-1489-16cb-a1db10652a64 |title=Jerod Mayo Draft and Combine Prospect Profile |website=NFL.com |access-date=February 2, 2022}}{{cite web |url=https://draftscout.com/dsprofile.php?PlayerId=33682&DraftYear=2008 |title=Jerod Mayo, Tennessee, ILB, 2008 NFL Draft Scout, NCAA College Football |website=draftscout.com |access-date=February 2, 2022 |archive-date=February 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220202091636/https://draftscout.com/dsprofile.php?PlayerId=33682&DraftYear=2008 |url-status=live }}

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The New England Patriots selected Mayo in the first round (10th overall) of the 2008 NFL draft. Mayo was the second linebacker drafted in 2008, behind Keith Rivers.{{cite web |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2008/draft.htm |title=2008 NFL Draft Listing |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |access-date=December 16, 2017 |archive-date=November 3, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181103014038/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2008/draft.htm |url-status=live }}

On July 24, 2008, the Patriots signed Mayo to a five-year contract (rather than the six-year maximum allowed by the NFL's collective bargaining agreement) worth $18.9 million, including $13.8 million in bonuses and guarantees.{{cite web|url=http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/articles/2008/07/24/pats_sign_mayo/|title=Top pick Mayo signs with Patriots|work=The Boston Globe|first=Christopher L.|last=Gasper|date=July 24, 2008|access-date=August 4, 2009}} Mayo was the only rookie in the Patriots' 2008 class to start in Week 1, and played every snap for the defense.{{cite web|url=http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/reiss_pieces/2008/09/defensive_snaps.html|title=Defensive snapshot|work=Boston.com Reiss' Pieces|first=Mike|last=Reiss|date=September 10, 2008|access-date=August 4, 2009}}

Mayo was named the NFL's Defensive Rookie of the Month for October 2008.{{cite web|title=Jerod Mayo |url=http://www.patriots.com/team/roster/Jerod-Mayo/bec56907-0614-4b0e-8409-7f0f2e1fa05b |publisher=New England Patriots |access-date=December 26, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131227013035/http://www.patriots.com/team/roster/Jerod-Mayo/bec56907-0614-4b0e-8409-7f0f2e1fa05b |archive-date=December 27, 2013 }} He led the Patriots with 24 tackles for the month, including 11 against the Denver Broncos in his first Monday Night Football appearance. In the Patriots' Thursday Night Football game on November 13, 2008, against their division rivals, the New York Jets, Mayo led all defensive players with 20 tackles (16 solo, 4 assisted), the first 20-tackle game of his career.{{Cite web |title=New York Jets at New England Patriots – November 13th, 2008 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200811130nwe.htm |access-date=February 26, 2024 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=January 26, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180126070731/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200811130nwe.htm |url-status=live }}

At the end of the 2008 season, in which Mayo had 128 total tackles (100 solo, 28 assists) and a forced fumble, he was named AP Defensive Rookie of the Year for 2008 in a near-unanimous vote: Mayo received 49 of 50 votes cast, with Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Keith Rivers receiving the other vote.{{Cite web |title=Jerod Mayo 2008 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/MayoJe99/gamelog/2008/ |access-date=February 26, 2024 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=January 1, 2009 |title=Mayo is AP's top defensive rookie |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=3801728 |access-date=August 4, 2009 |website=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press |archive-date=December 28, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171228232347/http://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=3801728 |url-status=live }}

Mayo was injured in the Patriots' 2009 season opener against the Buffalo Bills. The sprained MCL in his knee was originally expected to keep him out 6–8 weeks,{{cite web|url=http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/articles/2009/09/16/patriots_linebacker_mayo_has_a_sprained_mcl_in_knee/|title=Mayo has a sprained MCL|work=The Boston Globe|first=Christopher L.|last=Gasper|date=September 16, 2009|access-date=October 12, 2009}} but he returned in Week 5 against the Denver Broncos. Mayo finished the 2009 season with 103 tackles and 1.5 sacks.{{Cite web |title=Jerod Mayo 2009 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/MayoJe99/gamelog/2009/ |access-date=February 26, 2024 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240226144133/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/MayoJe99/gamelog/2009/ |url-status=live }}

In 2010, Mayo was named a defensive captain.{{Cite web |last=Reiss |first=Mike |date=September 10, 2010 |title=2010 captains: Brady, Faulk, Mayo & Wilfork |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/boston/new-england-patriots/post/_/id/4683028/2010-captains-brady-faulk-mayo-wilfork |access-date=October 28, 2010 |website=ESPN.com |archive-date=January 4, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190104073035/http://www.espn.com/blog/boston/new-england-patriots/post/_/id/4683028/2010-captains-brady-faulk-mayo-wilfork |url-status=live }} In Week 4 against the Miami Dolphins, Mayo recorded 16 tackles, and two weeks later notched 18 tackles in an overtime win over the Baltimore Ravens. In Week 8, Mayo recorded 14 tackles in a win over the Minnesota Vikings. Against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 11, Mayo recorded 15 tackles in a win. In Week 12, Mayo's eight tackles gave him 132 on the season, surpassing his previous career high of 128, set in 2008. He added another 12 tackles in Week 13 against the New York Jets, and had 16 in Week 15 against the Green Bay Packers. He ended the season with a league-high 175 tackles, along with two sacks and one forced fumble.{{Cite web |title=2010 NFL Defense |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2010/defense.htm |access-date=February 26, 2024 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=February 24, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180224193330/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2010/defense.htm |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Jerod Mayo 2010 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/MayoJe99/gamelog/2010/ |access-date=February 26, 2024 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240226142801/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/MayoJe99/gamelog/2010/ |url-status=live }}

He was named as a reserve to the 2011 Pro Bowl on January 2, 2011.{{Cite web |title=2010 NFL Pro Bowlers |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2010/probowl.htm |access-date=February 26, 2024 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=March 16, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180316023404/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2010/probowl.htm |url-status=live }} In the same season he was named to the 2010 All Pro team.{{Cite web |title=2010 NFL All-Pros |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2010/allpro.htm |access-date=February 26, 2024 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=October 5, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201005175846/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2010/allpro.htm |url-status=live }}

On December 17, 2011, at the beginning of Week 15, it was announced that he had signed a 5-year contract extension with the Patriots.{{Cite web |last=Reiss |first=Mike |date=December 18, 2011 |title=Source: Pats extend Jerod Mayo's deal |url=https://www.espn.com/boston/nfl/story/_/id/7362239/new-england-patriots-sign-jerod-mayo-5-year-extension-source-says |access-date=December 26, 2013 |website=ESPN.com |archive-date=January 16, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170116153115/http://www.espn.com/boston/nfl/story/_/id/7362239/new-england-patriots-sign-jerod-mayo-5-year-extension-source-says |url-status=live }} He was ranked 62nd by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2011.{{Cite web |title=2011 NFL Top 100 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/2011-nfl-top-100.htm |access-date=February 26, 2024 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=March 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308170627/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/2011-nfl-top-100.htm |url-status=live }}

In 2011, Mayo missed three games due to injuries but still managed to eclipse the 100-tackle mark.{{Cite web |title=Jerod Mayo 2011 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/MayoJe99/gamelog/2011/ |access-date=February 26, 2024 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240226142736/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/MayoJe99/gamelog/2011/ |url-status=live }} Mayo and the Patriots reached Super Bowl XLVI. In the game, Mayo had 11 tackles but the Patriots lost to the New York Giants by a score of 21–17.{{Cite web |title=Super Bowl XLVI – New York Giants vs. New England Patriots – February 5th, 2012 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201202050nwe.htm |access-date=February 26, 2024 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=March 23, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190323020537/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201202050nwe.htm |url-status=live }}

File:Jerod Mayo Pro Bowl 2013.jpg]]

Mayo was voted a defensive co-captain by his teammates for the fourth straight year.

On November 16, 2012, Mayo was fined $10,000 for a late hit out of bounds on Week 10 against C. J. Spiller with the Buffalo Bills.{{cite web|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/fines-roundup-houston-texans-tim-dobbins-fined-30k-by-nfl-0ap1000000095952|title=Fines roundup: Tim Dobbins of Texans fined for Jay Cutler hit|work=National Football League|date=November 16, 2012|access-date=November 16, 2012|archive-date=July 25, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200725170814/https://www.nfl.com/news/fines-roundup-houston-texans-tim-dobbins-fined-30k-by-nfl-0ap1000000095952|url-status=live}} This drew an unnecessary roughness call.

Later in the year, he was selected to the 2013 Pro Bowl in recognition of his successful 2012 season.{{Cite web |last=Kyed |first=Doug |date=January 12, 2024 |title=How Jerod Mayo was fast-tracked into becoming the Patriots' new head coach |url=https://www.bostonherald.com/2024/01/12/how-jerod-mayo-was-fast-tracked-into-becoming-the-patriots-new-head-coach/ |access-date=February 26, 2024 |website=Boston Herald |language=en-US}}

Mayo was placed on injured reserve on October 16 after tearing his pectoral muscle on October 13 in a Patriots comeback win against the New Orleans Saints.{{cite web |url=http://www.patriots.com/news/article-1/Patriots-place-Jerod-Mayo-on-IR-Re-sign-DT-Andre-Neblett/226fc87e-dddb-4bbb-b985-4d9e6967e91e |title=Patriots place Jerod Mayo on IR; Re-sign DT Andre Neblett |website=patriots.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131018045950/http://www.patriots.com/news/article-1/Patriots-place-Jerod-Mayo-on-IR-Re-sign-DT-Andre-Neblett/226fc87e-dddb-4bbb-b985-4d9e6967e91e |archive-date=October 18, 2013}}

On October 16, Mayo was placed on injured reserve with a torn patellar tendon that he suffered in a game against the Buffalo Bills in Week 6.{{cite news|url=http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/patriots_nfl/the_blitz/2014/10/report_jerod_mayo_underwent_surgery_on_patellar_tendon|title=Report: Jerod Mayo underwent surgery on patellar tendon|first=Jeff|last=Howe|newspaper=The Boston Herald|date=October 16, 2014|access-date=October 16, 2014|archive-date=October 16, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141016201920/http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/patriots_nfl/the_blitz/2014/10/report_jerod_mayo_underwent_surgery_on_patellar_tendon|url-status=live}}

Without Mayo, the Patriots won Super Bowl XLIX after they defeated the defending champion Seattle Seahawks by a score of 28–24.{{Cite web |date=February 1, 2015 |title=Patriots Win Wild Super Bowl XLIX; Seahawks Doomed By Play Call |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/patriots-win-super-bowl-xlix/ |access-date=February 26, 2024 |website=CBS – New York|agency=Associated Press |language=en-US}}

Mayo's playing time dipped in the 2015 season, being behind Dont'a Hightower and Jamie Collins on the depth chart.{{Cite web |title=2015 New England Patriots Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nwe/2015.htm |access-date=February 26, 2024 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=December 28, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171228171722/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nwe/2015.htm |url-status=live }} On January 19, 2016, days before the AFC Championship against the Denver Broncos, Mayo was placed on injured reserve with a shoulder injury.{{Cite web |last=Wilson |first=Ryan |date=January 19, 2016 |title=Patriots place Jerod Mayo on IR; Belichick mum on Collins, Jones |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/patriots-place-jerod-mayo-on-ir-belichick-mum-on-collins-jones/ |access-date=February 26, 2024 |website=CBSSports.com |language=en}}

On February 16, 2016, Mayo posted a message on his Instagram account announcing his retirement, thanking the Patriots for the previous eight years.{{Cite magazine |date=February 16, 2016 |title=Patriots LB Jerod Mayo retires |url=https://www.si.com/nfl/2016/02/16/jerod-mayo-retires-new-england-patriots |access-date=February 26, 2024 |magazine=Sports Illustrated |language=en-us}}

On March 27, 2019, Mayo was hired by the Patriots to be their inside linebackers coach.{{cite web |url=https://www.masslive.com/patriots/2019/03/jerod-mayo-returning-to-new-england-patriots-as-linebackers-coach.html |title=Jerod Mayo returning to New England Patriots as linebackers coach |last=O'Malley |first=Nick |date=March 27, 2019 |website=masslive.com |language=en-US |access-date=March 27, 2019}}

On January 12, 2024, the Patriots announced Mayo as the 15th head coach in franchise history and their first Black head coach.{{cite web |url=https://www.patriots.com/news/patriots-to-host-an-introductory-press-conference-to-announce-the-promotion-of-jerod-mayo-as-the-15th-head-coach-in-franchise-history |title=Patriots to Host an Introductory Press Conference to Announce the Promotion of Jerod Mayo as the 15th Head Coach in Franchise History |date=January 12, 2024 |website=patriots.com |language=en-US |access-date=January 12, 2024}} He is the second member of the Patriots' 2008 draft class to become an NFL head coach, after Kevin O'Connell became head coach of the Minnesota Vikings in 2022.{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/33303864/minnesota-vikings-officially-hire-innovative-kevin-oconnell-new-head-coach |title=Minnesota Vikings officially hire 'innovative' Kevin O'Connell as new head coach |date=February 16, 2022 |website=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press |language=en |access-date=January 19, 2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220217033041/https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/33303864/minnesota-vikings-officially-hire-innovative-kevin-oconnell-new-head-coach |archive-date=February 17, 2022}} Mayo also became the youngest head coach in the NFL until a few weeks later when the Seattle Seahawks hired Mike Macdonald.{{cite web |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/seahawks-mike-macdonald-new-youngest-head-coach-in-nfl-passing-jerod-mayo-and-ending-sean-mcvays-7-year-run/ |title=Seahawks' Mike Macdonald new youngest head coach in NFL, passing Jerod Mayo and ending Sean McVay's 7-year run |last=Dubin |first=Jared |date=January 31, 2024 |website=CBSSports.com |access-date=September 20, 2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240131215923/https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/seahawks-mike-macdonald-new-youngest-head-coach-in-nfl-passing-jerod-mayo-and-ending-sean-mcvays-7-year-run/ |archive-date=January 31, 2024}} In his opening press conference, Mayo revealed his view on racism, saying: "I do see color," leading to an awkward moment on stage with owner Robert Kraft, who tried to downplay Mayo's skin color.{{cite magazine |url=https://www.si.com/nfl/patriots/news/new-england-patriots-jerod-mayo-see-color-racism-press-conference-black-coach-robert-kraft-first |title=Mayo on Racism: 'I Do See Color' |last=Whitt |first=Richie |date=January 17, 2024 |magazine=Sports Illustrated |access-date=October 7, 2024 |archive-date=October 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241001060644/https://www.si.com/nfl/patriots/news/new-england-patriots-jerod-mayo-see-color-racism-press-conference-black-coach-robert-kraft-first |url-status=live}}

Mayo's Patriots struggled throughout the 2024 season, going on two separate six-game losing streaks and finishing the season with a 4–13 record.{{cite news |url=https://www.bostonherald.com/2025/01/09/patriots-inside-story-jerod-mayo-robert-kraft/ |title=Inside the Patriots' 2024 season, Jerod Mayo's firing and a franchise's continued fall |last1=Callahan |first1=Andrew |last2=Kyed |first2=Doug |date=January 9, 2025 |work=Boston Herald |access-date=January 28, 2025}} {{subscription required}}

On January 5, 2025, less than two hours after the Patriots' season finale ended, Kraft announced that Mayo would not return as the Patriots' head coach for the 2025 season, making him the second Patriots coach fired after one season (Rod Rust, who went 1–15 in 1990).{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/43300017/patriots-fire-jerod-mayo-finishing-4-13-lone-season |title=Pats fire Mayo after finishing 4–13 in lone season |last=Reiss |first=Mike |date=January 5, 2025 |website=ESPN.com |access-date=January 6, 2025 |language=en}} The move came after significant regression from 2023 under Belichick, especially on defense (where Mayo had played and coached), and multiple press conference gaffes where Mayo was forced to walk back comments.{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5990877/2025/01/05/patriots-jerod-mayo-fired-mike-vrabel/ |title=Patriots fire Jerod Mayo, expected to pursue Mike Vrabel as next head coach |last1=Graff |first1=Chad |last2=Kraft |first2=RJ |date=January 5, 2025 |work=The New York Times |access-date=January 5, 2025}} {{subscription required}}

According to a report from Chad Graff of The Athletic, citing sources within the team, Mayo had sought differentiate himself and his style of coaching from Belichick but it backfired on him as he "struggled to apply and uphold discipline after positioning himself as a players' coach." One Patriots source said "honestly, Jerod is a good guy. I just don't think he was ready for all the big decisions and discipline and focus the job takes." Graff also pointed to the fact that Mayo had only five seasons of coaching experience prior to his promotion to head coach, and had never worked as a full-time coordinator. Kraft took accountability for Mayo's struggles, saying that he put him in "an untenable situation."{{cite web |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10150088-jerod-mayos-struggles-as-patriots-hc-before-firing-detailed-by-insiders-in-report |title=Jerod Mayo's Struggles as Patriots HC Before Firing Detailed by Insiders in Report |last=Wells |first=Adam |date=January 8, 2025 |website=bleacherreport.com |access-date=January 13, 2025 |language=en}} On January 12, 2025, the Patriots hired Mike Vrabel to be their subsequent and 16th head coach in franchise history.{{cite news |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/sports/nfl/new-england-patriots-hire-mike-vrabel-rcna187286 |title=New England Patriots hire former player Mike Vrabel as head coach |first=Rohan |last=Nadkarni |date=January 12, 2025 |work=NBC News |access-date=January 15, 2025}}

Mayo is married to Chantel Mayo. The couple has three daughters and a son,{{cite news |url=https://bckonline.com/2013/10/08/jerod-mayo-is-a-family-man/ |title=Jerod Mayo is a Family Man |author=Sarie |date=October 8, 2013 |newspaper=Black Celebrity Kids |access-date=January 13, 2025}} and reside in North Attleboro, Massachusetts. Mayo is a Christian.{{cite web |url=https://sportsspectrum.com/sport/football/2024/01/12/jerod-mayo-patriots-head-coach-wherever-god-wants/ |title=Jerod Mayo to be Patriots' next head coach, ready for 'wherever God wants to take me' |last=Ackerman |first=Jon |date=January 12, 2024 |website=Sports Spectrum |access-date=January 12, 2024}}

Mayo has four brothers and two sisters. Two of his brothers were also linebackers: his younger brother, Deron Mayo, played in the Canadian Football League and is currently the head strength and conditioning coach for the New England Patriots,{{cite web|url=http://www.stampeders.com/roster/show/id/5159|title=Deron Mayo {{!}} Roster |publisher=Calgary Stampeders|date=November 23, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141123185828/http://www.stampeders.com/roster/show/id/5159|access-date=November 18, 2019|archive-date=November 23, 2014}}{{cite web|url=https://www.patriots.com/team/coaches-roster/deron-mayo?campaign=sf:fanshare:facebook|title=Deron Mayo|website=patriots.com|language=en-US|access-date=November 18, 2019|archive-date=January 13, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240113020442/https://www.patriots.com/team/coaches-roster/deron-mayo?campaign=sf:fanshare:facebook|url-status=live}} and Derek Mayo is a graduate of Richmond, where he won the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision title in 2008.{{Cite web |last=O'Connor |first=John |date=December 17, 2018 |title=10 things to know about the Spiders' 2008 FCS championship |url=https://richmond.com/sports/college/schools/university-richmond/as-10th-anniversary-arrives-10-things-to-know-about-the-spiders-2008-fcs-championship/article_c1235781-c976-5cd1-b0cc-26babfa75793.html |access-date=October 9, 2020 |website=Richmond.com}}{{cite web |url=https://richmondspiders.com/sports/football/roster/derek-mayo/2093 |title=Derek Mayo |website=richmondspiders.com |access-date=October 9, 2020}}

Mayo held a cameo role in the 2012 film The Three Stooges, alongside Troy Brown.{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BnIYP3cgWC4|title=The Three Stooges (2012)- Dudes|date=November 25, 2020|via=YouTube|access-date=January 10, 2025|archive-date=September 4, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240904221057/https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=2MqNjfjSvQVc0Lpu&v=BnIYP3cgWC4&feature=youtu.be|url-status=live}}

{{reflist|2}}

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{{footballstats|yahoo=8787|espn=11244}}

• [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/coaches/MayoJe0.htm Coaching statistics] at Pro Football Reference
• [https://www.patriots.com/team/coaches-roster/jerod-mayo New England Patriots coaching bio]
• [https://utsports.com/sports/football/roster/jerod-mayo/14788 Tennessee Volunteers bio]

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Category:1986 births

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