Patriots Coach Jerod Mayo: New Salary, Old Title?
Hold the Mayo? Or at least, his job?
New England Patriots linebackers coach Jerod Mayo may not be getting a new title for his expected promotion, after all.
With Mayo turning down requests to interview for both the defensive coordinator job with the Cleveland Browns and the head coaching job for the Carolina Panthers, his return to New England appeared to be a foregone conclusion.
It also became clear that he would have a notable incentive to stay in New England. In fact, recent reports indicated that Mayo was to be given the title of “assistant head coach” after signing his impending Patriots contract extension.
However, a Thursday afternoon report from the Boston Herald is encouraging Patriots fans to "pump the brakes on (Mayo) having a new title going forward.”
“A pay raise for sure, and his overall role could change,” the Herald's Karen Guregian tweeted, “but there might not be a different title.”
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.
While an enhanced label for Mayo’s proposed promotion is rare in New England, it is not unprecedented under head coach Bill Belichick. The 70-year-old employed legendary offensive line coach Dante Scarnecchia as ‘assistant head coach’ from 2000 (Belichick’s first year as ‘HC of the NEP’) until his initial retirement in 2014.
Regardless of his title, Mayo has clearly taken on a more senior role with the Patriots coaching staff this offseason. According to multiple reports, he was a key participant in the Patriots’ offensive coordinator interviews last month, 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 him as possibly being groomed to take over as head coach whenever Belichick decides to step down.
While such possibility may remain on the table for Mayo, it now appears just as likely that he carries his current title of “linebackers coach” into 2023.
Follow Mike D’Abate on Twitter @mdabateNFL and Listen/Subscribe to his daily podcast: Locked On Patriots
New England and beyond! Get your Patriots game tickets from SI Tickets ... here!
Follow Patriots Country on Twitter and Facebook
Want the latest in breaking news and insider information on the Patriots? Click Here
More Patriots coverage from Sports Illustrated here.
