Overview

• Jerod Mayo, the former Patriots linebacker, has been appointed as the first Black head coach in the history of the New England Patriots.
• Mayo's appointment has been hailed as a significant step for diversity in the NFL, where 71% of players are of color but only five Black head coaches exist.
• Mayo has emphasized the importance of acknowledging race, stating, 'I do see color, because I believe if you don’t see color, you can’t see racism.'
• His appointment has been met with criticism from some quarters, with detractors suggesting he was hired solely for diversity purposes.
• Mayo's appointment is also seen as significant for Boston, a city with a history of racial strife, where his role is expected to inspire Black youth.