Replacing Belichick: Patriots Next Head Coach Already on Staff?

New England Patriots linebackers coach Jerod Mayo is seemingly emerging as the leading candidate to replace Bill Belichick. But does he already have his assurance in writing?

FOXBORO — Will Bill Belichick’s recently-vacated coaching “hot seat” get the chance to cool down?

For the first time in nearly a quarter century, the New England Patriots find themselves in search of a new head coach — as both Belichick and team owner Robert Kraft agreed Thursday to “mutually” part ways. 

Ironically, New England may not be in the market for long. 

Patriots inside linebackers coach Jerod Mayo, per an NFL Network report, has apparently emerged as the front-runner to replace Belichick. In fact, he may even have a contractual leg up on his competition. 

New England Patriots Inside LB Coach Jerod Mayo :: Photo by Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire

“Jerod Mayo is a strong candidate to replace Bill Belichick,” NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport reported. “If he is the choice, the Patriots could simply hire him. No need to go through the lengthy hiring process — they established a firm, contractual succession plan in a prior contract and communicated it to the NFL.”

Just one year ago, Kraft and the Patriots brass made it an offseason priority to keep Mayo in the Foxboro fold. By signing him to a contract extension — which was intended to retain his services within the organization for “the long term” —  the Pats may have tipped their hand regarding their intentions.  

While addressing the media on Thursday afternoon, Kraft seemingly added a layer of credence to NFL Network’s report when asked about the organization’s plans to fill their coaching vacancy.   

“Until we settle what we settled yesterday and announced today, we will try to move very quickly to solve those issues,” Kraft explained in the Gillette Stadium auditorium. “We’ll have a chance to talk about that in the very near future.”

For all intents and purposes, Mayo has been among the lead architects for New England’s recent defensive renaissance. Throughout the past five seasons, he has served as one of the Patriots’ top defensive assistant coaches. Alongside outside linebackers coach Stephen Belichick, he has been intricately involved in the defensive play calling strategy, essentially carrying out the duties of an unofficial co-defensive coordinator. His ability to communicate and mentor has earned him the respect of his peers and players alike.

Under Mayo’s tutelage, the Patriots’ defense played at a surprisingly high level despite the team’s dismal 4-13 record. New England entered the final Week of the regular season ranked at No. 6 in overall defense in the NFL, allowing a defensive yards average of 304.6, as well as 19.2 yards-per-game. 

Mayo’s multifaceted approach to coaching has also made him a highly-coveted commodity throughout the NFL since 2020. Despite having yet to hold a head coaching position, Mayo has been considered for several such openings throughout the league including that of the Philadelphia Eagles, Houston Texans, Las Vegas Raiders and Denver Broncos — oftentimes praised by such teams for his ability to connect with his players and teach them the fundamentals required for success in the NFL.

While Mayo may be the clubhouse leader for the position, the Pats are also expected to strongly consider former Tennessee Titans coach Mike Vrabel, who was fired from his Nashville post on Tuesday. Vrabel, a former Patriots linebacker and franchise hall of famer, was reportedly dubbed a “home-run hire” by Kraft, himself, earlier this year. 

Beyond Belichick: Leading Candidates to Be Next Patriots Coach

Still, a written agreement between both Mayo and the Pats may end their search before it begins. Considering the numerous struggles New England has endured this season, the quick and seamless move may be welcomed by a team eager to turn the page from the sentimentality of the past. 

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