'West Coast Offense': Patriots Coordinator Interviews Providing Hints?
Six days after being officially introduced as the New England Patriots coach, Jerod Mayo has hit the ground running when hiring his staff.
So far, Mayo is interviewing candidates for both of his coordinating positions. With him being a defensive-minded coach, it is only natural for many to pay close attention to what he'll do offensively.
Per a report from Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer, Mayo has already conducted interviews with several candidates. Included on the list are Los Angeles Rams assistants Zac Robinson and Nick Caley, and newly hired Chicago Bears play-caller Shane Waldron. Cincinnati Bengals quarterbacks coach Dan Pitcher is also reportedly in line to talk to Mayo.
While no hire has been made, and it is still early, there seems to be a trend developing. Not only has it become apparent that the Patriots are looking at several young minds, but ones with a background in the modern West Coast offense.
New England Patriots coach Jerod Mayo (left) and Los Angeles Rams' Sean McVay (right).
Clutchpoints
Outside of Pitcher, every other candidate that Mayo has interviewed has a direct connection to Rams coach Sean McVay.
Both Caley and Robinson currently work under McVay. Waldron spent time working for him on two occasions, first with the then-Washington Redskins in 2016 as a quality control coach while the former was the play-caller, before following him to L.A. the next season.
While it may be a coincidence, it seems unlikely. Since taking the Rams coaching job, McVay has taken the league by storm, becoming known as one of the best offensive minds with his version of the West Coast offense that features a wide zone run game to pair with a dangerous downfield play-action passing game.
Sound familiar? It should, as it was reportedly what then-Patriots coach Bill Belichick envisioned the New England offense evolving to after the departure of longtime offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels following the 2021 season.
In theory, it was a good idea by Belichick as he wanted to adopt an offensive system similar to the one run by the San Francisco 49ers under Kyle Shanahan and the Rams. But, where he went wrong was by opting to name two previously non-offensively coaches, Matt Patricia and Joe Judge, as his de facto play-callers.
If the list of interviews is anything to show so far, it seems Mayo is looking to avoid making the same mistake.
