Patriots, Mayo Introduce New Coordinators: ‘Relationship Guys’

Having joined the Patriots coaching staff in 2019, Mayo served under former coach Bill Belichick as inside linebackers coach for the past five seasons. Despite operating without the title of “defensive coordinator” throughout his tenure in Foxboro, Mayo’s role and responsibilities grew annually each year. He was intricately involved in the defensive play calling strategy, essentially carrying out the duties of an unofficial co-defensive coordinator. His ability to communicate and mentor has earned him the respect of his peers and players alike.

While the aforementioned skills should adequately prepare him for the logistical aspects of on-field coaching, Mayo explored new territory in assembling his staff as a first-time man in charge. During his final season under Belichick, he took on more of a senior role as a key participant in the Patriots’ offensive coordinator interviews, which culminated in the team's hiring of Bill O’Brien. 

Still, being in the main chair this time was a new adventure — not only one from which he learned but also embraced. 

“It was a learning experience,” Mayo said with a smile. “It was exciting and I learned a lot … not just from the coaches we hired but also from those we didn’t. I pulled upon past experiences, which was a help, but feeling great about how it all went.” 

In total, the Patriots will welcome a total of 19 new coaches to the Foxboro fold in 2024 — their largest staff in quite some time. Despite the daunting task of filling the poisitions, Mayo believes that it was a necessary step in their efforts to modernize the Patriots on-field product. 

"We wanted to make sure we weren't duplicating roles,” Mayo said regarding his staff’s volume. “Historically we've always had small staffs. It's hard to get things done that way in today's NFL."

Ultimately, the Pats rookie head coach appeared poised, confident and excited to immediately work with his new staff — especially the principles like Van Pelt, with whom he will be working for the first time.   

During his time with the Cleveland Browns, Van Pelt helped the Browns offense to compile some of its best numbers in franchise history. Yet, it may have been his ability to cultivate personal relationships which tipped the Pats hand in his favor. 

“AVP [Van Pelt] has an extensive knowledge of football and he’s great at developing talent.” Mayo said. “But he is a “relationship” guy, and I believe that before you get into “x’s and o’s,” as a player, you have to know the coaches care about you and AVP certainly does.”

Yet, the prevailing message of “moving forward” could not totally eclipse the importance of familiarity on Mayo’s staff, as well. Despite the numerous new faces on New England's coaching roster, Covington as defenisve coordinatorwill help to provide continuity this season on a unit which was among the best in football in an otherwise forgettable 2023 campaign.

“When I first got here, he showed me a lot,” Mayo said of Covington. “A lot of the behind the scenes aspects of coaching. He is a great relationship guy as well … someone who develops [his players] in mind, body and spirit. Based on his performance over the years [in New England] — from the development of his players — he is ready for the job.” 

Lastly, Mayo took a moment to address the hiring of perhaps the most high-profile of the coaches on his staff. While he may not be among the triumvirate of coordinators, inside linebackers coach Dont’a Hightower’s return to Foxboro has understandably created significant buzz throughout Patriots Nation. 

From his comments on the matter, it appears that Mayo is equally excited to have Hightower back in New England. 

“He has been my little brother since I got here,” Mayo said of Hightower. “He is one of the smartest players I have been around and he will make a great coach. I’ve encouraged him to be a sponge and absorb as much knowledge as he can … but he will teach the guys a thing or two as well.”