Video: Bill Belichick Says Jerod Mayo Was 'Handpicked' by Patriots' Robert Kraft

Bill Belichick does not have much to say about his former team's latest move.

The current North Carolina head coach parted ways with the New England Patriots following a 2023 season in which the team went 4-13 and missed the postseason for the third time in four seasons. The team ultimately hired Jerod Mayo as his replacement, who saw his time as head coach end after one season on Sunday night.

During an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, Belichick said that Mayo was "handpicked" by Robert Kraft but that he was unaware of how anything went down in Foxboro this season.

"Robert Kraft, Jonathan Kraft, Robin Glazer, they are the decision-makers there," Belichick. "Mayo was handpicked by Robert but in the end, the decision-making is something they have to comment on and identify. They are the ones who are really making the calls there so they are the ones who should comment on that, I don't really know from the outside looking in. They haven't called me and asked."

Belichick was New England's coach from 2000-23, compiling an overall record of 302-165 while leading the team to nine Super Bowl appearances and six championships. The majority of the team's playoff appearances and every Super Bowl appearance came during quarterback Tom Brady's time with the franchise and the post-Brady years were less successful for the franchise.

Mayo had been a two-time Pro Bowler under Belichick and was the inside linebackers coach prior to his promotion to head coach. He had a clause in his contract that made him the successor to Belichick, so the Patriots did not undergo any search for a new head coach last offseason.

The Patriots' 4-13 record in 2024, as well as the presence of former Patriot Hall of Famer Mike Vrabel and other strong coaching candidates, spelled the end for Mayo's time as head coach.

Belichick, on the other hand, will focus his attention to the college ranks with UNC while his former franchise attempts to enter a new era.