Former New England Patriots linebacker Jerod Mayo is starting a new chapter in his professional career: coaching.

Mayo, 33, spent his entire NFL playing career with the Patriots, from 2008-15, en route to a Super Bowl win in 2014-15, a first-team All-Pro selection in 2010, and a Defensive Rookie of the Year award on his trophy shelf way back during his first season in the league.

Now Mayo finds himself as a rookie once more; the former first-round pick of the Patriots is back with the team as the inside linebackers coach. The University of Tennessee product spoke about what it's like to manage players during his first season with a different perspective.

Per NBC Sports Boston on Twitter:

“You're a rookie coach just trying to make sure your guys are ready. I really didn't know what to expect on the coaching side. It's not where I want to be yet but it's getting better. It's a process each and every day, trying to perfect my craft as well as help the players get better.”

The two-time Pro-Bowl linebacker faces a different kind of challenge on gridiron nowadays as he coaches middle linebackers such as 23-year-old fifth-round pick from last year's draft Ja'Whaun Bentley, Christian Sam, who was injured during his rookie season last year, two-time Super Bowl champ Elandon Roberts, and 29-year-old Pro-Bowl LB Dont'a Hightower, whom Mayo competed with prior to the end of his playing days.

The Mayo family are also heavily involved with the Patriots since Jerod's younger brother, Deron, was hired last year by the organization as a strength and conditioning coach.