Jerod Mayo brings a different perspective than Bill Belichick as the New England Patriots head coach,
The former All-Pro linebacker played eight seasons in New England before working on Belichick’s staff. Hunter Henry thinks his new coach will relate to them as a former player.
Per NBC Sports Boston, the tight end said he hadn’t worked too closely with Mayo before the insider linebacker’s coach promotion. However, Henry praised Mayo’s energy and passion.
“He was a player. He’s been in our seats — literally been where we are and played and also been a coach, too. So he’s seen both sides of it,” Henry said. “So I think just that from your leader, seeing both sides to it and understanding us a little bit, too, and what we want and maybe listening to us, is good. He’s been exactly where we are, so he knows what we want, knows kind of how things go. So I think him just [having] that player experience is big for us.”
It’s a common refrain among Patriots players this offseason.
Matthew Judon said Mayo has “always had our back” when predicting the head coach will insert “new life” into the organization. After signing with the Patriots last month, running back Antonio Gibson looked forward to playing for the 38-year-old.
“It sounded like he was talking to one of the guys,” Gibson said. “I feel like that’s something that might be a positive thing in the locker room for him to be able to relate and communicate like that, and kind of understanding both sides of it.”
Mayo’s experience can help the franchise transition into life without Belichick, who spent the last 24 seasons on New England’s sideline.