When Bill Belichick and Robert Kraft stood at the podium at Gillette Stadium last Thursday to announce their mutual decision to part ways, it marked the end of an unprecedented era of stability for the New England Patriots. Belichick had led the franchise as head coach for 24 years, and had been the one constant throughout and beyond its dynastic run.
It remains to be seen whether his successor, Jerod Mayo, will come even close to bringing this type of continuity to the Patriots’ head coaching position. It also is to be determined how exactly his promotion will impact the stability of the current coaching staff.