Jerod Mayo wins preseason head coaching debut

New England defeated Carolina, 17-3, on Thursday at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL preseason.

Thursday’s win is former Vol Jerod Mayo’s first as a head coach in the NFL.

Mayo played for the Patriots and replaced former New England head coach Bill Belichick.

Mayo previously served as New England’s inside linebackers coach from 2019-23. He played for New England from 2008-15 and was a first-round selection in the 2008 NFL draft (No. 10 overall).

Mayo was the NFL’s Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2008 and was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2010 and 2012. The former Vol was a First-Team All-Pro in 2010 when he led the NFL in solo and combined tackles.

He played for the Vols from 2004-07 for head coach Phillip Fulmer. Mayo was an All-Southeastern Conference standout in 2007.