We are all victims of the day-to-day machinations of a story. We get buried in all the details of the latest rumor, the latest scuttlebutt, the latest innuendo. The 24-7 news cycle and non-stop sports coverage via TV, streaming, and social media keep us from thinking about the big picture too often. Many of us fail to see the forest for the trees. That’s happening right now with Jerod Mayo.

Some are focused on the offensive coordinator position. Others are focused on the front office. Many are focused on the man’s football philosophy. I’m focused on the bigger picture: Holy crap, Mayo has a TON on his plate and not a lot of time to deal with it all.

Not only is Mayo a first-time head coach, he’s also replacing the GOAT. That alone is colossal. The fresh face for an organization that’s been led by the same face for almost a quarter of a century. Someone who won SIX Super Bowls and will waltz into the Hall of Fame after he calls it a career. But, that’s just the beginning.

Mayo, with a limited rolodex, has to hire an entire coaching staff. As if that’s not a big enough challenge on its own, he also is likely going to be embroiled in a tug-of-war with his mentor for several of that staff. He also has to figure out a front office structure along with ownership, reset a culture, ingratiate himself with personalities throughout his building and the league, reshape an offense that’s been terrible, help find a franchise QB1…The list goes on and on and on.

 

Mayo is facing the biggest challenge that any new NFL Head Coach has EVER faced. That’s not hyperbole. The stature of the person he’s replacing, the amount of things that are on the to-do list on and off the field, all in a top-10 market during the social media age. Does he have time to breathe? I hope he does, because he’s got roughly six months to set this roster and get ready for minicamp.

Will this work? None of us know. Lots of coordinators who are supposed to be the “Next Big Thing” end up flaming out. Others who are questioned, end up being good. Much of this likely comes down to one thing – The quarterback.

But, what we do know, is that the Krafts believe in Mayo. They have faith that he’s the right guy, at the right time, for this incredibly challenging job. They believe in him so much, that they don’t believe all of this will overwhelm the 37-year-old former All-Pro Linebacker. Thirty-seven.

I’ll say this: IF Mayo can come out of all of this successful and lead a winning football team by the end of 2025, nobody should question the decision by the Krafts. Unequivocally, Mayo would have been the right guy for this enormous challenge, if this team is good before Belichick calls it a career at his next stop.

I’m not sure if this will be a story of triumph or a dumpster fire. But, I am damn sure there’s a lot on Mayo’s plate. Good luck, Jerod!

Derrick White Earns His Praise

 

When a team is loaded like the Celtics, it’s not seldom the case that the fourth or fifth offensive option gets the kind of pub that Derrick White has received this season. But, man, has White earned it all. I’ve been a card-carrying member of the White Fan Club for well over a year, but even I must admit, White’s shot development has turned into a different beast.

White has the second-highest 3PA/Game of his career this season, while shooting better than 41% from behind the arch. His best shooting season from three, prior to this first half, was last year when he shot 38%. But, it’s not just his three-point efficiency, it’s the versatility of his profile. White is shooting better than 36% on pull-up threes and a ridiculous 43.5% on the catch-and-shoot. Pick your poison.

But, of course, Derrick White isn’t just about offense. The guy is a two-way demon. White’s defensive rating is at 112. The league average this season is 116.6. Not only is White an above-average defender, he’s incredibly consistent. Here are White’s DRtgs since the ‘19-’20 season: 114, 114, 112, 112, and 112.

How about blocks? Many have made a big deal about White’s blocked shots this season, but here are his blocks per 100 possessions numbers since ‘19-’20: 1.7, 1.6, 1.3, 1.6, and 1.7. It’s hilarious how consistent White is. You know exactly what you’re getting with him night in and night out. You have to imagine Joe Mazzulla just loves this dude because of that.

Not only is White consistent on the floor, he’s consistent off of it. He seemingly never gets ridiculously high or annoyingly low. He is the consummate teammate. Ego in check and always saying the right thing. You have to believe some of that is due to White’s underdog story, from the University of Colorado-Colorado Springs to Colorado to NBA First Round Pick of the Spurs.

But, the most important characteristic of White might be his ability to adapt to his surroundings. That part of his game has made him a perfect fit for a loaded Celtics team. You need him to score because one of the “big guns” is out? Fine, Derrick can get you twenty-five. You need Derrick to help run the offense? Done. You need him to be a hound, along with Jrue Holiday, on the defensive end? Done.

He’s everything you want from a player and an obvious extension candidate. Will Brad Stevens be able to keep him in Boston? Well…White’s going to cost a Brinks truck of money. The Celtics have Jaylen Brown on a HUGE deal. Jayson Tatum is due an extension with his player option coming up in ‘25-’26. Porzingis just got his two-year extension upon the trade last summer and Holiday will very likely turn down his player option this offseason. Needless to say, it won’t be easy to retain White’s services.

But, yeah, I love Derrick White.