The Patriots already knew who their next head coach would be. Owner Robert Kraft had put into writing a succession plan that detailed how Jerod Mayo would take over. It meant the Patriots didn’t have to conduct a formal search the way the league requires with multiple interviews that follow the NFL’s Rooney Rule.

Less than a year ago, the New England Patriots parted ways with long-time head coach and de facto general manager Bill Belichick, replacing him with Jerod Mayo on the sidelines and Eliot Wolf in the front office.

Other than Schooler, Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez had a good argument to be named to the Pro Bowl. The second-year player has been an elite cover cornerback this season. In 16 starts, Gonzalez has routinely covered the opposing team’s best wide receiver. He has two interceptions, 11 passes defended, and 59 total tackles.

Special teams ace Brenden Schooler was named to the Pro Bowl on Thursday, the lone member of the Patriots to land a spot. The 6-foot-1-inch, 210-pounder, in his third season, was signed as an undrafted free agent out of Texas in 2022.