Patriots Coach Jerod Mayo: ‘Where I Want to Be’; New Title?

Inside linebackers coach Jerod Mayo agreed to a contract extension with the New England Patriots this offseason.

FOXBORO — New England Patriots linebackers coach Jerod Mayo had his chances to test the NFL coaching free agent waters this offseason. 

However, the 37-year-old inside linebackers coach is quite happy with the proverbial swimming conditions in Foxboro. 

“It would take a lot for me to leave,” Mayo told reporters on Tuesday at Gillette Stadium. “This is where I want to be, and I feel the same way from the coaching staff and also from Mr. Kraft. I wanted to be here because I feel like we do it right here.”

Having turned down requests to interview for both the defensive coordinator job with the Cleveland Browns and the head coaching job for the Carolina Panthers, Mayo indicated that he expects his decision to return to New England to keep him in the region for “the next few years.” 

For the past four seasons, Mayo has served as one of the Patriots’ top defensive assistant coaches. Alongside outside linebackers coach Steven 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.

In 2022, New England led the NFL with seven defensive touchdowns and produced 30 takeaways, second to only the Dallas Cowboys (33). As such, the Pats consistently ranked among the NFL's top 10 teams in total defense, total yards allowed, and yards yielded per offensive play. Mayo's strategic influence played a major role in New England's defensive resurgence.

In that vein, speculation was abound throughout the past three months that Mayo may have been granted a promotion — or perhaps an advanced job title — to entice him back to the Foxboro fold for 2023 and beyond. 

Though Mayo may have been trusted with providing additional input on certain aspects of organizational business, it appears that job titles are not of the utmost importance to him. 

“There are some different things that they allowed me to participate in,” said Mayo. “Not exactly sure as far as the role, that’s a [Bill Belichick] question … Honestly, the whole role thing isn’t important as long as I’m growing. And that’s what I’m focused on…I’ll still be working with the linebackers, working with the defense.”

Regardless of his title, Mayo has clearly taken on a more senior role with the Patriots coaching staff this offseason. Mayo confirmed on Tuesday that he was a key participant in the Patriots’ offensive coordinator interviews, which culminated in the team's hiring of ex-Alabama OC Bill O'Brien. 

He also acted in a supervisory capacity, alongside other high-ranking members of the team’s coaching staff at the East-West Shrine Bowl in Las Vegas.

While Mayo has thrived in his current role, he has been quite vocal about his aspirations to become an NFL head coach. As such, speculation has continued to surround his possibly leaving New England for the right opportunity, or potentially being groomed to take over as head coach whenever Belichick decides to step down.

“Absolutley, 100 percent,” Mayo said with conviction when asked if he still longs to hold the role of head coach … whether it be with New England or another organization. 

“We’ll see what happens, he followed. “I’m confident in the plan they have put together for my development.”

Judging from the tone of his media session on Tuesday, it appears the Patriots will be holding on to Jerod Mayo for the foreseeable future.

Accordingly, it is a fact which seems to suit him just fine. 

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