Former Bill Belichick star paints picture of Josh McDaniels-Antonio Pierce level “personality” flip in overnight HC change in New England
Bill Belichick is out and the New England Patriots wasted no time in finding his replacement. Jerod Mayo is set to be the team's next head coach and the change could not be more stark. At least, that is what Jason McCourty has claimed on Good Morning Football. Here's how he put it:
"[00:00:34] When it comes to personality and how things are going to be drawn, Mayo is completely different than a Bill Belichick. Jerod's laughing at all the times in that building and he's getting to know guys. He's close with them."
He continued, claiming that rooms "brighten" when he enters them:
"Jerod's personality and the vibe that he has when he walks in a room, everybody brightens up. Everybody stands straight up because that's what he brings with it. [00:00:53]"
The description is reminiscent of the Josh McDaniels swap for Antonio Pierce with the Raiders earlier this year. McDaniels was seen by many as a no-nonsense head coach bringing a clinical approach to the locker room.
Meanwhile, Pierce was seen as a players' coach, allowing things like Maxx Crosby lighting up a cigar following wins this year.
While McDaniels preached focus and intensity, Pierce leaned much more into the fun side of the game. It worked wonders for the Las Vegas Raiders earlier this season. Could a similar jump take place for the Patriots in 2024?
Bill Belichick's replacement flips another aspect on its head
Until this week, the New England Patriots had the second-oldest head coach in the NFL, per Sporting News. Now, according to Adam Schefter, the Patriots have the youngest head coach in the NFL.
Jerod Mayo is 37 and will be ahead of Sean McVay in the list of youngest head coaches. McVay held the lead in the statistic from 2017, when he was hired by the Los Angeles Rams. Mayo is one month younger than McVay.
Of course, McVay has seen it all at this point with two Super Bowl appearances, a Super Bowl victory, and five playoff appearances. By the time Mayo has the opportunity to get a similar level of success, he will be in his early-mid 40s.
There are currently eight players older than Mayo still playing in the NFL, per Bet MGM. The only two quarterbacks older than the Patriots head coach are Aaron Rodgers and Brian Hoyer.
If any of the above quotes are used, credit "Good Morning Football" and H/T Sportskeeda.