When Robert Kraft Decided Jerod Mayo Was Next Patriots Coach

When the Patriots let go of Bill Belichick, New England seemed to have a quick course of action that didn’t involve an exhaustive interview process, which appeared to be the plan.

Taylor Rooks interviewed owner Robert Kraft on the Amazon Prime broadcast before the Patriots’ 24-3 loss to the New York Jets on Thursday. Kraft revealed how long he had a succession plan for Belichick.

“Jerod learned a lot from Bill in the tactical background,” Belichick told Rooks, per Amazon Prime. “But they’re each special individuals. I’ve gotten to know Jerod over the last 15 years and, I picked him five years ago to be our next head coach. He’s very special, and it’s great that he had the ability to train under Bill.”

It sounded like Kraft referred to a team trip to Israel in 2019 where he saw Mayo, who at that time rejoined the team as an assistant, and his leadership skills.

Kraft’s timeline could be disputed, but there reportedly was a contractual guarantee in Mayo’s contract that he would succeed Belichick. It was an interesting way to get around the NFL’s Rooney Rule, but despite the reported tensions between himself and Belichick, Kraft seemed to use that five-year conviction to make sure a succession plan would go smoothly.