Keion White Has Funny Comments on Bill Belichick-Jerod Mayo Comparison

A new coaching change tends to mean an adjustment period for players. That's exactly what the New England Patriots are experiencing going from playing under Bill Belichick for over two decades to Jerod Mayo, who's never been a head coach at the NFL level before.

Every coach is different, meaning players might experience things — whether practice or game-plan-related — under one coach that they wouldn't under the other. While it may take time for these differences to be made evident, Patriots defensive end Keion White has already outlined one thing that separates Mayo from Belichick.

Less cursing.

Patriots News: Keion White Compares Mayo to Belichick

When the Patriots' offseason activities (OTAs) opened earlier this week, White talked to reporters about the differences between being coached by Mayo and Belichick. According to Pro Football Talk's Michael David Smith, the 25-year-old defender said there isn't much of a difference aside from not having "Bill [Belichick] cursing us out every play anymore."

Belichick is known for being one of the hardest coaches to play under, so it isn't surprising that a rookie HC like Mayo curses a lot less. But while some players might not enjoy having obscenities hurled their way, the 72-year-old's tough coaching style is one thing that White will miss about the ex-bench boss.

"I miss it. I like Bill [Belichick]. He’s my type of coach, like a hard-ass. I like that. I respond well to things like that."

- Keion White

But even if White misses Belichick's presence, he isn't letting that feeling cloud his judgment of Mayo. The ex-Georgia Tech pass rusher added that the first-year coach is "doing a really good job of staying true to himself" rather than trying to turn himself into Belichick 2.0 or someone else.

Time will tell if Mayo's coaching style helps White take his game to the next level. After being drafted 46th overall by the Patriots last April, White went on to record 12 solo tackles, three broken-up passes, and a sack while playing 49% of defensive snaps across 16 games (4 starts).

The Raleigh, NC native finished the year as Pro Football Focus' No. 67-graded edge defender out of 112 eligible players while also tallying a 67.8 run defense grade (39th).

At the end of the day, Mayo seems to be doing a good job this offseason, so let's hope it translates to regular-season success. Turning the ship around won't be easy, though, as proven by FanDuel Sportsbook listing the Patriots' projected 2024 win total at just 4.5 wins.

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