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Updated 1/12/2024 1:30 p.m.
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — The New England Patriots are officially going with Jerod Mayo as the new head coach to succeed Bill Belichick.
Mayo has been hired to become the youngest head coach currently in the National Football League, as well as the first Black head coach in Patriots history.
Mayo, 37, was a first-round draft pick selected by the Patriots in 2008. He spent eight seasons as a linebacker for New England before retiring in 2016.
After retirement, Mayo joined the Patriots as an inside linebackers coach in 2019.
Read More: Patriots Owner Robert Kraft Addresses Media Over Bill Belichick Departure
WBZ NewsRadio spoke with fans at Gillette Stadium for their reactions.
"I think he’s a good choice as a coach. I mean, he’s been in the system, he knows the Krafts. I think he’s going to do a great job," one person said.
"We just have to wait and see, really. Everybody’s optimistic about the future and it’s new, refreshing, so wait and see," said John.
Fans like David and Bill said fellow Patriots supporters should be patient with Mayo as he settles into the role.
"He’s working with next to nothing, so it’s going to take a while to build up a team," David said.
"It’s going to take three or four years to establish the Patriots, but I think he can do it," added Bill.
WBZ's Suzanne Sausville (@WBZSausville) reports.
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