New England Patriots cornerback Jonathan Jones is agreeing with the narrative that former Patriots coach Bill Belichick may have been difficult to relate to.
At 71 years of age, Belichick has a bit of a different style when working with today’s NFL players. He takes a more rigid approach to things, and that may be more difficult for players to relate to. It’s hard to argue with Belichick’s overall success in New England, with six Super Bowl titles to his name. Nevertheless, times are indeed changing.
Jones certainly didn’t shy away from the sentiment during a recent radio appearance, as transcribed by NESN.com’s Gio Rivera.
“I think they want to be related to,” Jones told 98.5 The Sports Hub’s “Zolak & Bertrand”. “I think when I came in it was, ‘Show up, do your job.’ And that worked. That worked for a while. That worked for a very, very long time, but this generation, I don’t think that works for them. So I think (Jerod) Mayo is in a space where he can connect with guys — this younger generation — but at the same time, he’s a leader. When he’s in a room, guys listen to him.”
The relatability factor may have been a reason why Belichick did not find a head coaching job this cycle, even if it’s hard to deny the results he put forth during his time with New England.
How Mayo’s different coaching style shines through and his relationship with players will be something to watch.
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