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Jerod Mayo

Jerod Andrew Mayo Sr.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Jerod Andrew Mayo Sr. is an American former professional football linebacker and coach. He played eight seasons for the New England Patriots in the NFL and later served on the Patriots’ coaching staff, including as head coach in 2024. He was the first Black head coach in Patriots history.

Early life and college

Jerod Mayo was born in Hampton, Virginia, on February 23, 1986. He played college football at the University of Tennessee before entering the NFL Draft.

Professional playing career

Mayo was selected 10th overall by the New England Patriots in the 2008 NFL Draft. He played eight seasons with the Patriots as a linebacker, earning NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year honors and a Pro Bowl selection. He won Super Bowl XLIX with the team.

Coaching career

After retiring from playing, Mayo joined the Patriots’ coaching staff in 2019. He was appointed head coach in January 2024, becoming the franchise’s first Black head coach. He was fired after one season, following the 2024 season.

Post-playing work

Mayo has also worked outside football in finance and as a speaker or commentator, though these roles are secondary to his NFL career.

Key facts

  • Played eight NFL seasons, all with the New England Patriots.
  • Selected 10th overall in the 2008 NFL Draft.
  • Won Super Bowl XLIX with the Patriots.
  • Named NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year and earned Pro Bowl recognition.
  • Appointed Patriots head coach in January 2024, becoming the franchise’s first Black head coach, and was fired after one season.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Jerod Mayo?
Jerod Mayo is a former NFL linebacker and football coach best known for his long career with the New England Patriots.
What team did Jerod Mayo play for?
He played eight seasons for the New England Patriots.
What position did Jerod Mayo play?
He played linebacker.
Did Jerod Mayo coach the Patriots?
Yes. He served on the Patriots’ coaching staff and was the team’s head coach in 2024.
Was Jerod Mayo the first Black head coach in Patriots history?
Yes, according to multiple sources.
Where did Jerod Mayo go to college?
He attended the University of Tennessee.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jerod_Mayo
    Supports: Birth date, full name, NFL playing career, and 2024 Patriots head coaching stint.
  2. Leading Authorities — https://www.leadingauthorities.com/speakers/jerod-mayo
    Supports: Appointment as Patriots head coach in January 2024 and background as former player.
  3. Fifth Down — https://www.fifthdown.com/team/jerod-mayo
    Supports: Draft status, playing achievements, college, and first Black Patriots head coach claim.
  4. Pro Football History — https://pro-football-history.com/coach/11578/jerod-mayo-bio
    Supports: Coaching timeline, Patriots 2024 record, and firing date.
  5. BlueSky SE — https://www.blueskyse.com/talent/jerod-mayo
    Supports: Birthplace, Patriots history, Pro Bowl and Defensive Rookie of the Year claims, and 2019 coaching return.
  6. ESPN — https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/bio/_/id/11244/jerod-mayo
    Supports: Birthdate, college, draft position, and birthplace.
  7. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Jerod-Mayo
    Supports: Patriots head coaching appointment, first Black head coach claim, and youngest head coach at the time of hiring.