The New England Patriots have promoted linebackers coach Jerod Mayo to replace Bill Belichick, making the 37-year-old the NFL's youngest head coach.

Belichick's 24-year tenure, which included six Super Bowl wins, ended on Thursday as he and the Patriots mutually agreed to part ways.

Mayo, a former Patriots linebacker, becomes the first black head coach in the franchise's history.

He was with the Patriots, but injured, when they won Super Bowl XLIX in 2015.

Having joined Belichick's coaching staff in 2019, Mayo had been touted as a possible successor when he signed a long-term contract extension last year.

Mayo said he felt prepared if asked to take over from Belichick after the Patriots' season-ending defeat by New York Jets on Sunday.

"When I think about when I do get my opportunity, I don't know when that's going to be, honestly, I'm kind of like a dry leaf blowing in the wind, wherever [it] takes me," Mayo said.

"But at the same time, I feel like I'm prepared. I feel like I'm ready. I look forward to the opportunity, wherever that may be."

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