Jerod Mayo, the new head coach of the New England Patriots, emphasized empowering his staff with freedom both on the sidelines and in meetings. He introduced 17 new assistants to support himself and coordinators Alex Van Pelt, DeMarcus Covington, and Jeremy Springer. The hires include both first-time coaches like Dont’a Hightower and veterans like Ben McAdoo. Mayo intentionally brought in McAdoo for his experience as a former head coach, highlighting the importance of having someone to consult who has sat in that seat before.
Director of scouting Eliot Wolf played a significant role in building the staff, drawing on his connections from the Green Bay Packers. Van Pelt and new defensive line coach Jerry Montgomery have previous connections with Wolf. Despite Van Pelt’s recent dismissal as Cleveland’s offensive coordinator, Mayo expressed confidence in his abilities to improve the Patriots’ offense.
Van Pelt and Covington confirmed they would be calling plays in the upcoming season. Covington, despite it being his first time at this level, feels prepared after years of coaching experience. The Patriots face uncertainty at the quarterback position after Mac Jones’s struggles, but Van Pelt hasn’t ruled out Jones returning as the starter.
Van Pelt envisions incorporating elements of the scheme he ran in Cleveland, focusing on maximizing the strengths of the available players. He emphasizes flexibility and adapting to the team’s strengths for success. Overall, Mayo’s approach emphasizes collaboration, experience, and adaptability as the Patriots embark on their rebuilding journey.
