While the rest of the world woke up on Friday morning to the news that Jerod Mayo was the new head coach of the New England Patriots, one of his close friends had found out the night before. 

Former Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman Roman Foster got to know Mayo very well, having roomed with him and played alongside him at the University of Tennessee. So on Thursday night, when he got the Facetime call from Mayo with the news, Foster couldn't contain his excitement. 

"Still shocked that it actually happened," Foster said on 104-5 The Zone. 
"Jerod's been talked about for the last couple years as being the succession plan, but all in all, I thought it did get murky with the (Mike) Vrabel conversation. But my feelings – overly excited for my friend."

"Jerod's always been about this as a young guy," Foster added. "The only decision that I think was flawed of his was he thought about transferring because he couldn't get No. 7."

When Mayo turned down the head coaching interviews last year, opting to remain in New England as the linebackers coach, it was clear the Kraft's had a plan for him. However, when the Titans parted ways with Mike Vrabel, things definitely got a little less clear. 

Vrabel had the head coaching experience, knowing the offensive and defensive side of the ball. But the Kraft's didn't waiver and sticked to who they thought would bring the most to the Patriots. 

Just a day after parting ways with Bill Belichick after 24 seasons, the Patriots made it official that Mayo is next. And the reaction from his former teammates and the current players he has coached says it all. 

In short, they all agree he was made for this, and Foster clearly agrees. 

"To see him grow into this, we saw Mayo being this from day one," he said. "It's cool watching one of your friends, turn into this right here. Whatever happens from here as far as him and his success in New England, you got to tip your hat to it. 37 years old, getting a head coaching job, African American, also if I'm not mistaken, the first one in Patriots history… Some monumental stuff." 

Mayo has never shied away from the hard work with his old roommate bringing up one memory he had with the new head coach. 

"When he tore his ACL, I never saw somebody work harder than what he did to get back. So much so, he was a top 10 pick after that," Foster said. "If you knew him in college and were around him, his mindset has always been that. Not to say that he planned on being an NFL head coach, but it was more than just the space he was in."

Prior to being selected by the Patriots in the first round in the 2008 NFL Draft, Mayo played college ball at Tennessee. And there he put on quite a show being named First-team All-SEC in his final year. 

And he proved to be the perfect pick for the Patriots, being selected as the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2008. Following his time as a player, Mayo transitioned into coaching and it's clear the respect he has earned during that time. 

Foster and the rest of his former teammates and players will be watching closely and cheering him on as he navigates this new chapter in his life.  

Why Jerod Mayo is the perfect person to be next head coach of Patriots

Made the right decision.