The New England Patriots just went through a tough 2024 season.
It ended with the firing of rookie head coach Jerod Mayo.
Not only did the team finish last in the AFC East at a record of 4-13, but there were reported staffing issues at the beginning of the season.
According to The Athletic’s Chad Graff, Jerod Mayo did not want former defensive play-caller Steve Belichick, the son of former head coach Bill Belichick, to be the defensive coordinator.
“Mayo didn’t offer (Steve Belichick) the chance to continue calling plays…opting instead for young defensive line coach Demarcus Covington. Mayo offered Steve a lesser role, but the younger Belichick declined and left to become the defensive coordinator at the University of Washington,” Graff wrote.
Steve Belichick left the Patriots AFTER Jerod Mayo tried to demote him. Then he gave the job to Covington. ?
Per: @ChadGraff
“With the defensive coordinator role, the other most important spot on his staff, Mayo was surprisingly decisive. Even though Steve Belichick, Bill’s… pic.twitter.com/fkleqNs4S0
— Savage (@SavageSports_) January 8, 2025
Steve Belichick had been a defensive assistant with the team from 2012-2023.
In that time, New England won three Super Bowls, largely thanks to the play of its defense.
Considering his defensive coaching background, Bill Belichick was the true mastermind of the defense.
However, Steve Belichick had been with the organization a long time and had gained a good understanding of how to coach elite defenses.
That is why it is unsurprising that New England’s defense, once both Belichicks left, finished the 2024 season ranked 22nd in total defense, 23rd in rush defense, and 22nd in scoring defense.
After spending the 2024 season at the University of Washington, Steve Belichick has since joined his dad at the University of North Carolina.
He will be the defensive coordinator in 2025 and likely beyond.
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