As quickly as the Bill Belichick era closed Thursday, that’s how fast the Jerod Mayo era opened Friday.

After news broke announcing Mayo’s promotion from assistant to head coach, current and former Patriots broke out in celebration on social media. Mayo’s ex-teammates and current Patriots players almost universally praised the hire. Last year, the team established Mayo as Belichick’s successor when it negotiated a new contract to keep him in New England.

On Thursday, Kraft explained what he was looking for in his next head coach: “I’ll just say we’re looking for someone who can help us get back to the playoffs and win. Believe me, after my family, this is really one of the two most important assets in my life. I am very upset when we don’t win games. It carries the whole week.

“So, I promise you I’ll be focused to do the best I can do to make sure we’re putting ourselves in the best long-term position to win for many years.” Judging by players’ reaction, they believe Mayo will do just that.

Here is a sampling of their reaction to Kraft making Mayo the 15th head coach in franchise history:

Patriots captain and LB Ja’Whaun Bentley

“Yessirrr!!”

Patriots captain and DE Deatrich Wise

“Congratulations Coach @jerod_mayo51. Looking forward to (creating) great memories!”

Ex-Patriots WR Julian Edelman

“Congrats, @jerod_mayo5. time to get to work #15”

Ex-Patriots LB Dont’a Hightower

“Head coach Jerod mayo!!! Love the sound of that!! congratulations big bro,”

Ex-Patriots LB Jamie Collins

“Playoff bound first year. Remember this tweet.”

Ex-Patriots RB James White

“Congrats to Mayo! He definitely will be a great head coach.”

Ex-Patriots CB Jason McCourty

Speaking on the NFL Network’s “Good Morning Football”

“I’ve gotten a chance to be around Jerod, and for Patriots fans, you’ve had Bill Belichick for the past 24 years with all of the success and personality that Bill comes along with. Jerod Mayo, you heard Ian [Rapoport] say they called him ‘little Belichick,’” McCourty said. “A lot of that has to do with Jerod’s football knowledge. When he was a linebacker, he handled all the checks, he knew what everybody was doing on the football field. He’s a leader at his core. His specialty is people.

“When it comes to personality and how things are going to be, Jerod Mayo is completely different than a Bill Belichick. Jerod’s laughing at all times in that building, and he’s getting to know guys, he’s close with them. Jerod’s personality and the vibe that he has when he walks in the room, everybody brightens up, everybody stands straight up.”

McCourty later added: “I’m excited as hell for Jerod Mayo. He’s a great dude and he’s a fantastic coach.”

LB Mack Wilson

“The start of a New Era that I’d love to be apart of. So happy for this dude. Well deserved BIG COACH!”

CB Marcus Jones

“Oh yeah let’s get it.”

WR DeVante Parker

“LFG!!”

WR JuJu Smith-Schuster

“Oh we gonna be lit!”

Ex-Patriots QB Matt Cassel

“Fired up for my old teammate Jerod Mayo. He is a leader of men and will do a great job as the new head coach of the Patriots.”

Current Patriots defensive backs Jabrill Peppers and Christian Gonzalez also reacted, using three exclamation points and three saluting emojis, respectively, in their own social media posts.