The New England Patriots will enter the 2024 NFL season in unfamiliar territory, as longtime head coach Bill Belichick is no longer at the helm. Taking over is Jerod Mayo, the team’s former inside linebackers coach, who is seen as a natural successor due to his deep familiarity with the franchise.
The Patriots’ roster is not yet at a Super Bowl-contending level, and it’s understood that the rebuilding process will take several years. Mayo will have opportunities to guide the team in the right direction, though fans are urged to remain patient as the team navigates this transitional phase.
Adding to the challenges, the team has suffered another loss with the passing of team physician Dr. Mark Price, as announced on the Patriots’ official Twitter account.
“The New England Patriots are deeply saddened by the passing of team physician Dr. Mark Price.”
Dr. Price passed away after battling cancer, a disease that has tragically affected many. He had served as the Patriots’ head team physician and medical director since 2016, and before that, he was a sports medicine orthopedic surgeon at Mass General Brigham Sports Medicine, having earned his MD at Harvard Medical School. Additionally, Dr. Price was a veteran who served as a captain in the U.S. Navy Reserves.
Patriots team owner Robert Kraft expressed his condolences to Dr. Price’s family, marking a somber day for the franchise.
