Jerod Mayo’s failed Patriots tenure included demotion of Bill Belichick’s son

Jerod Mayo’s failed Patriots tenure included demotion of Bill Belichick’s son

Jerod Mayo wanted to retain a member of the Belichick family on his staff during his one-and-done tenure as Patriots head coach, but in “a lesser role.”

In the wake of New England’s decision to fire Mayo on Sunday following a disastrous 4-13 campaign, The Athletic reported Wednesday how the former linebacker-turned-coach “didn’t offer” Steve Belichick, the son of former head coach Bill Belichick, “the chance to continue calling plays” on defense as he had done in previous years.

“With the defensive coordinator role, the other most important spot on his staff, Mayo was surprisingly decisive,” The Athletic detailed, noting the first-year head coach tapped defensive line coach DeMarcus Covington instead of Steve, 37.

The Patriots fired head coach Jerod Mayo in January 2025 after one season. Getty Images
Steve Belichick (r.) called defensive plays for the Patriots in recent years. Charles Wenzelberg/New York Post

“Mayo offered Steve a lesser role, but the younger Belichick declined.”

Steve, who joined the Patriots’ staff in 2012 as a defensive ᴀssistant and called defensive plays from 2020-23, left the franchise in 2024 for the University of Washington, where he was named defensive coordinator.

He is expected to join dad Bill, 72, in Chapel Hill, where the NFL legend was named head coach of the UNC Tar Heels.

Steve’s brother, Brian, remained with the Patriots as their safeties coach in 2024.

Mayo, 38, was named Belichick’s successor in January 2024 after the franchise parted ways with its six-time Super Bowl-winning coach.

Steve Belichick joined the University of Washington’s staff in 2024 as a defensive coordinator. Getty Images
Bill Belichick is building his UNC staff that now includes son Steve. USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con

Upon building a new staff, Mayo “had to lean on” Patriots executive VP of player personnel Eliot Wolf “and others in the front office” due to the coach’s “lack of connections,” The Athletic reported.

With a relatively green regime, “Mayo was left without an experienced sounding board during the more difficult days of the season,” the publication detailed.

Other alleged moves by Mayo piqued curiosity during his lone season at the helm.

Jerod Mayo was selected to succeed Bill Belichick. AP

On a flight home after “a lopsided loss” to the Cardinals in Week 15, Mayo moved from his seat towards the front of the aircraft to the rear, “where some players had gathered to play cards, choosing to hang out there while his ᴀssistants watched film.”

Patriots owner Robert Kraft put Mayo’s failed season on himself, stating Monday, “I put him in an untenable situation.”

New England’s search for a new coach is well underway.

Earlier this week, the organization announced interviews with former Buccaneers offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich and veteran NFL ᴀssistant Pep Hamilton.

Patriot great Mike Vrabel, one of the most sought-after candidates on the market, will speak to the team Thursday.

The Patriots are one of the six coaching vacancies this cycle, which includes the Bears, Jaguars, Jets, Raiders and Saints.

Related Posts

Aaron Rodgers saga takes new twist as Steelers wait on legendary quarterback

Aaron Rodgers saga takes new twist as Steelers wait on legendary quarterback

The ongoing saga between Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers has taken a new twist, as the 41-year-old quarterback has reportedly not ᴀssured Pittsburgh he is joining the…

Another erotic video of Stefon Diggs emerges after viral footage of NFL star flirting with ʙικιɴι-clad women

Another erotic video of Stefon Diggs emerges after viral footage of NFL star flirting with ʙικιɴι-clad women

Stefon Diggs has gone viral again after another awkward video of the New England Patriots star surfaced, with the wide receiver’s future in New England in doubt. …

Kansas City Chiefs star leaves fans stunned with pH๏τo of himself with his terrifying pet animal

Kansas City Chiefs star leaves fans stunned with pH๏τo of himself with his terrifying pet animal

Kansas City Chiefs star Carson Steele posted a pH๏τo to social media of him holding his pet alligator, Crocky-J, that has left fans stunned with the terrifying…

Phillies make brutal decision over million star pitcher after 12-run nightmare

Phillies make brutal decision over $72million star pitcher after 12-run nightmare

The Philadelphia Phillies are moving star pitcher Taijuan Walker to the bullpen amid the team’s 4-game losing streak to shake things up before their season turns into…

Fans left baffled as Larry David is spotted attending Josh Allen and Hailee Steinfeld’s glitzy wedding

Fans left baffled as Larry David is spotted attending Josh Allen and Hailee Steinfeld’s glitzy wedding

Larry David admittedly has few friends, so when the actor and comedian made a surprise appearance at Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen’s glitzy wedding to Hollywood actress…

Controversial ex-NFL star posts sarcastic reaction to old team’s Pride message in latest bizarre outburst

Controversial ex-NFL star posts sarcastic reaction to old team’s Pride message in latest bizarre outburst

Controversial ex-NFL pᴀss rusher Jason Babin offered a sarcastic response on Sunday to a Pride Month post from the Houston Texans. Babin, a two-time Pro Bowler in…