Timekeeping in the NFL: A Precise Measurement of Failure
The passage of time is a fascinating phenomenon, and humanity has always been intrigued by its measurement. From sundials to atomic clocks, our ability to track time has become increasingly precise. However, in the NFL, there’s another way to measure time – by how quickly anonymous sources start criticizing a coach after they’ve been fired. It’s a phenomenon that’s as predictable as clockwork.
The Fall of Jerod Mayo
Recently, we witnessed the demise of Jerod Mayo, the former head coach of the New England Patriots. According to a report by The Athletic, Mayo’s tenure was marked by a series of questionable decisions, including his handling of the team’s defensive play-calling duties. Despite Steve Belichick, Bill’s son, being the Patriots’ defensive play caller in recent years, Mayo opted to promote young defensive line coach DeMarcus Covington instead. This decision ultimately led to Steve Belichick’s departure to become the defensive coordinator at the University of Washington.
The Consequences of Mayo’s Decision
The consequences of Mayo’s decision were severe. The defense, which had been a top-10 unit under Steve Belichick, suffered a significant dropoff. They ranked 22nd in yards allowed and 26th in passer rating allowed, a far cry from their previous performances. Moreover, they ranked 30th in defensive EPA per play, a damning metric that highlights the team’s struggles.
A Relatable Analogy
To put this in perspective, imagine working at a retail store, where your father is the manager. You’re the assistant manager, in charge of the electronics department. When your father gets fired, you’re not surprised, but you’re still confident in your abilities. However, instead of promoting you, the new manager decides to promote someone who worked underneath you. And to add insult to injury, they offer you a demotion to stocking shelves. It’s a humiliating situation that no one with self-respect would accept.
Mayo’s Leadership Style
Mayo’s leadership style was also called into question. After a disappointing loss, he was seen playing cards with players on the team plane, a move that raised eyebrows among team sources. This casual approach to leadership led to a lack of discipline, which ultimately affected the team’s performance.
The Importance of Experience
Mayo’s inexperience as a head coach was evident in his struggles to build a coaching staff. With a limited network, he interviewed over a dozen candidates for the offensive coordinator job before finally landing Alex Van Pelt. This lack of experience ultimately hurt the team, as Mayo struggled to make tough decisions and enforce discipline.
A Lesson Learned
The story of Jerod Mayo serves as a cautionary tale for NFL teams. Promoting a first-time head coach can be a recipe for disaster, especially if they lack the necessary experience and leadership skills. As the Patriots look to rebuild, they would do well to remember this lesson and take a more cautious approach to hiring their next head coach.
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