FOXBOROUGH- The Patriots introduced Jerod Mayo today as the 15th coach in franchise history. Mayo and owner Robert Kraft had a lot to say so let’s delve into today’s press conference.

1. Mayo is confident: Mayo was clearly confident in himself and believes he is the right person to guide the organization out of its current situation. Mayo has a presence and the Krafts, the players and people in the organization respect him. He will be more open and honest about the team and the process. Being comfortable in his own skin and not afraid to be honest is part of what made Mayo appealing to the Kraft family and I think those qualities will endear him to the fans.

2. Mayo’s philosophy: Mayo wants to lead and mold people. He said he doesn’t want to tell them what to think but how to think. He also stressed a collaborative approach and using the “experts” in the organization to guide his decision making. Mayo wants to promote an inclusive environment where everyone has a voice and plays their part in the success of the organization. I think to a certain extent, this speaks to how much of a dictator Bill Belichick was and how people within the organization were ready for a change. 

3. Coaching titles: Mayo said that titles are important. The Patriots will have offensive and defensive coordinators. It is a far departure from Bill Belichick who played games with titles and often did not give them to assistants on the staff who called plays or coached special teams. Mayo openly disagreed with his predecessor on titles which I thought was refreshing and necessary. 

4. On being the first black coach in Patriots history: Mayo referenced being the first black coach in team history and how much it meant to him. He also said that he is not color blind and still sees the need to combat racism. The comment was in response to Robert Kraft saying that he did not see Mayo’s skin color when making the decision to hire him. It was an awkward exchange between the two men. 

5. Where was Jonathan Kraft? Kraft said that his Jonathan was not present at the press conference because he got tied up with something that came up in one of the other family businesses. The response seemed a little fishy to me and I am not sure I buy it. How could he not be present for the introductory press conference for arguably the most important employee in the company? Makes no sense. 

6. Are the Patriots hiring a GM? Kraft said he would like to give the current front office a chance to prove themselves before initiating a search for a general manager. Keep in mind, the Krafts have never hired a general manager so if they do ultimately hire one, it will be their first. My sense is, the Krafts will give this current front office a chance to prove themselves this off-season. If they do, they will stick with the current model. If they do not improve the roster and the team struggles next season, then the team will restructure their front office and hire a general manager or someone new to lead the group. 

7. Kraft talks process: Kraft said that the reason he hired Mayo was he went with his gut instinct. He gave several past examples of how going with his gut instinct has paid dividends for him. Ultimately, that is why he chose not to do a coaching search and hire Mayo immediately. Time will tell if his gut instinct will pay off again.

8. Mayo and collaboration: Mayo kept referring to the fact that he will not operate in an echo chamber. He doesn’t want people around him that will simply agree with him. He wants people who will share their thoughts and question his ideas. Based on the amount of times that Mayo referenced not living in an echo chamber, one has to think that no one in the organization really stepped up and questioned Belichick during his time. 

9. Felt like a new era: It felt like a new era today. After 24 years of Bill Belichick, there was a genuine sense of excitement for Mayo and what is to come. The Patriots have always had a business like feel. I felt that people loosened their ties a little today. 

10. Mayo pledges to open work with the media: It was refreshing to hear Mayo say that he understands the role of the media and how important it is and that he pledges to be more open and transparent. After years of Belichick acting as if he ran Area 51, it will be nice to have a coach who is actually willing to answer some questions within reason.