If Robert Kraft decides to part ways with Bill Belichick this offseason, New England Patriots legend and Pro Football Hall of Famer Ty Law believes that the team doesn’t need to search far for a successor on the sidelines.
During an appearance on WEEI’s “The Greg Hill Show” on Tuesday morning, Law expressed his belief that Jerod Mayo, a former New England linebacker and the current linebackers coach, should be next in line to lead the Patriots.
“He has the respect,” Law said about Mayo. “And you have to relate to — look at what [interim head coach] Antonio Pierce is doing with the Raiders. They rally around him. Look at how the [Patriots’] defense is playing. They’re down, they’re banged up, and (Mayo’s) got those boys playing.”
“They’re being competitive even though they don’t have very many pieces. You have to give credit somewhere, and Jerod Mayo is that guy. He has the respect of not only players, but his peers, and he played the game.”
Despite Mayo’s familiarity with the Patriots, questions have been raised about the extent of change that would accompany a Mayo hiring, particularly concerning the 37-year-old coach’s willingness to make significant changes to New England’s coaching staff.
Nevertheless, Law believes that Mayo would have no reservations about potentially revamping the personnel around him, even if it means parting ways with familiar faces on Belichick’s staff.
“Let me tell you something: if Jerod Mayo was the head coach, he wouldn’t have a problem firing the whole damn staff,” Law said. “That’s who he is as a person. He’s gonna look at it from a business standpoint. It’s not gonna be about making friends or anything like that.”
Although Mayo’s business-first mindset has reportedly raised questions about his viability as Belichick’s successor if New England opts for a coaching change, Law sees this as a potentially perfect fit for the team. Moving on from Bill Belichick will be challenging, but it’s crucial for the Patriots to make the right choice for his replacement.
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