Patriots to Interview Rams Special Teams Assistant Coach

The New England Patriots are wasting no time in attempting to assemble the staff of new head coach Jerod Mayo.

FOXBORO — New England Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo is accelerating the process of building out his staff for the upcoming season. 

While the 37-year-old is seemingly off to a fast start in his consideration of potential offensive and defensive coordinators, NFL Network is reporting on Friday that the Pats are expected to interview Los Angeles Rams special teams assistant coach Jeremy Springer for their special teams coordinator. 

Springer just finished his second season as a special teams assistant with the Rams, working under coaches Joe DeCamillis (2022) and then Chase Blackburn this past season. 

Los Angeles Rams Special Teams Assistant Coach Jeremy Springer / Cred: therams.com

While the Rams’ special teams unit ranked last (No. 32 overall) in special teams DVOA, Springer has long been considered a rising star within the coaching ranks of the game’s third phase. Prior to his hiring in Los Angeles, Springer spent eight seasons at the college level with UTEP, Texas A&M and Marshall — presiding over some of the nation’s top ranked special teams units during that span. 

New England’s dismal 4-13 finish led to New England choosing to part ways with former coach Bill Belichick after 24 seasons as both coach and lead personnel executive. Despite a strong showing from their defense, New England struggled mightily in both offense and special teams. Under the direction of coordinator Cam Achord, the Pats third-phase corps finished No. 28 in special teams DVOA, after finishing last the metric in 2022. Though second-year special teamer Brendan Schooler earned an All Pro nod for his performance this season, the unit routinely struggled with tackling, undisciplined penalties and rookie kicker Chad Ryland making only 64 percent of his attempts.

Should Springer, or another candidate, be hired to replace Achord on Mayo’s staff, that individual will likely face the unenviable task of repairing a significantly damaged unit without the guidance of 16-year veteran team captain Matthew Slater — who is expected to retire in the offseason.

Mayo's Patriots in 2024: 3 Reasonable Expectations

New England’s request to interview Springer comes on the heels of earlier reports on Friday indicating their intentions to interview both Denver Broncos defensive backs coach Christian Parker and New Orleans Saints linebackers coach Michael Hodges. 

The Pats have already revealed their intention to interview Atlanta Falcons special teams coordinator Marquice Williams for the position, as well. 

---