Is there a new Patriot Way? How Jerod Mayo approaches coaching

Jerod Mayo is New England Patriots' first head-coaching coach since Bill Belichick's retirement.

The 38-year-old believes in empowering players and investing in them personally before demanding more on the field.

The early returns have been promising as the Patriots are 1-1 , something that wasn't expected from a team with the least amount of wins this season .

New England Patriots owner Kraft included a succession clause in Mayo 's contract to make him the head coach in 2024 .

When Belichick left the Patriots in January after a 4 -13 campaign, they wasted no time in naming Mayo as his successor.

Mayo 's standing as a former player has helped him in the locker room, according to teammates.

Mayo : "We always talk about taking the hard route. That just means all the extra things we do, it pays off" Kraft : "I really believe he's created an atmosphere where the dialogue and communication with the players, they're going to go out and play for him" After the win, Kraft presented Mayo with a game ball.