Jerod Mayo Speaks on Being First Black Coach in Patriots History: ‘I Do See Color – If You Don’t See Color You Can’t See Racism’

Jerod Mayo, the new coach of the New England Patriots, is not dismissing racism exists. In his introductory press conference, Mayo stated that his ascension as the first Black coach in team history is important.

“I do see color,” Mayo said. “If you don’t see color, you can’t see racism.”

“I do see color, because I believe if you don’t see color you can’t see racism.”

Jerod Mayo on being named the first black head coach in Patriots history. pic.twitter.com/toTTJ6CrB3

— New England Patriots (@Patriots) January 17, 2024

Just one day after Bill Belichick moved on from the head coaching position of the New England Patriots, the franchise has named their new coach, Jerod Mayo.

The 37-year-old will be the youngest coach in the NFL and the 15th head coach in the franchise’s history.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Mayo joined Belichick’s coaching staff in 2019 as the linebackers coach. He was selected as part of a succession plan built into his contract extension last summer. Mayo becomes the first Black coach in New England history.

MAyo’s playing career was in New England, totaling 905 tackles across 103 games and won the Associated Press Defensive Rookie of the Year Award. Mayo was part of the 2014 Patriots Super Bowl team.

“I feel like I’m prepared. I feel like I’m ready,” Mayo said in early January to ESPN. “I feel like I can talk to men, women, old, young, white, Black — it doesn’t matter. And hopefully develop those people into upstanding citizens and help them evolve. That’s how I think about it. I feel like my calling is to develop.”