Jerod Mayo’s First Practice Filled With Signs Of New Patriots Era

FOXBORO, Mass. — Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo isn’t all that difficult to pick out from a crowd.

He’s still every bit of the 6-foot-2, 230 pounds he was listed at during his playing days, and we’re doing him a favor with that second number. He’s a big fan of the mono-navy look, rocking the same shirt/short combo throughout much of the spring and summer. He usually carries around a white towel, often draping it over his shoulders as he strolls around the backfields at Gillette Stadium.

How else would we describe it?

Mayo brings a much different vibe than Bill Belichick.

The Patriots, and just about everyone else, have been intentional with the way they’ve referenced the 38-year-old, often using his youth, high-energy approach and status as a former player as the focal points of any conversation about him. Mayo hadn’t been observed working with a full roster before Wednesday, though, which is why we decided to keep an eye on him throughout New England’s training camp opener.

How different is he from Belichick? How will he divvy up his time? Is he ready to take a hands-off approach and delegate? We found answers to each of those questions, plus a few more.

Individual Drills
Mayo got his steps in Wednesday, working his way throughout every position group (except for the wide receivers and specialists) during individual drills.

He naturally started with the inside linebackers, watching along as Dont’a Hightower gave legitimate examples of each drill his unit would run. Mayo didn’t step on his former teammate’s toes, but did give some one-on-one instruction to undrafted rookie Steele Chambers before moving toward the defensive line.

Mayo stepped in for a bit with the lineman, working as a scout team running back and giving his defenders an opportunity to meet him in the hole. Did they collide? No, because who in their right mind would hit the head coach? He moved to go watch offensive install for a bit, but finished individual drills with the safeties — having a long talk with Jabrill Peppers at one point.

Team Periods
Mayo spent the majority of his time during team periods watching the offense, standing within feet of Jacoby Brissett and Drake Maye the whole time. It was only natural that he gave coaching points to the defensive guys, though, giving stern direction to edge defender Oshane Ximines, alongside Matthew Judon.

The Patriots didn’t do much competitive work in team, spending half the time working at a reduced speed, but it gave Mayo an opportunity to fill up a small notebook that he kept on him throughout practice.

Free Time
Do NFL coaches really have free time during practice? No, but Mayo did stop walking around a few times to share moments with folks watching practice.

He spent a brief time talking with defensive line coach Jerry Montgomery’s sons, who were observing practice from “Dante’s Inferno” out by the hill behind the two fields. Mayo also spoke with his assistant, Matthew Slater, before the change from individual to team drills.

Mayo is bound to make changes to the way he does things. It’s the way growth works, but the Patriots’ newest head man is off to a good start.