The post-Bill Belichick era was not expected to go smoothly for the Patriots for many reasons, with one of the main ones being how the next head coach would establish a distinct style to be different than what the legend was known for throughout his career.
That's what Jerod Mayo attempted to do during the 2024 season, as he stepped into the biggest shoes possible that any head coach, rookie or not, could have tried to fill. And unfortunately for him, it didn't go as well as planned.
Some of the blame could go to his decision to do nearly the complete opposite of everything Belichick did, from how he approached press conferences and talking to the players to what he kept around the stadium to motivate the team on game day. It became one of the more highly controversial parts of his short tenure, as he removed all reminders of the dynasty era and replaced them with new catchy slogans on several posters around the locker room.
It is just part of what might have led to the ultimate downfall of Mayo's time in New England, and it was clear the locker room was divided throughout the year. That hasn't been an issue thus far in Mike Vrabel's tenure, and we're already seeing a more Belichick-style coach back in the building.
Mike Vrabel continues to make a strong impact on the Patriots on and off the field
The experience Vrabel has as a head coach, from spending six years with the Titans, has been exactly what the Patriots needed after another down season in 2024. The player's coach mentality that Mayo felt strongly about didn't work as he likely anticipated, so Vrabel's tough love approach has proven that it was a mistake.
Besides the apparent shift in the locker room and their production during practices and the preseason opener, new posters have been spotted around the stadium, including one regarding the team's identity, which is very reminiscent of something you might have heard Belichick say during his time in Foxboro.
No more North Stars. New poster in the #Patriots team meeting room. pic.twitter.com/HRL4EsOirl
— Andrew Callahan (@_AndrewCallahan) August 9, 2025
The lack of identity is probably one of the biggest problems the Patriots dealt with last season and explains why it is such an emphasis with the new regime.
That was one of the strongest parts of the Patriots' dynasty over two decades, as the Patriot Way became synonymous with the team during Belichick and Tom Brady's tenure. Although they would argue that there was no such thing, the team had an undeniable identity that was well known across the league and the fans, which has been missing in the years since the coach and quarterback both departed.
Vrabel's understanding of how important that is for the success of the team as they build a foundation for the future will be a big reason for their success this fall. It makes Robert Kraft's decision to bring him in even more applaudable, even if that meant letting go of Mayo, who was clearly not set up to succeed last year.