By Matt Dolloff, 985TheSportsHub.com
Patriots inside linebackers coach Jerod Mayo is rising in the ranks of future head coaches in the NFL. So it’s little surprise that, according to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, he is set to interview for the Philadelphia Eagles’ head coach vacancy in the wake of Doug Pederson’s firing.
Mayo has only been an NFL coach for two seasons, coaching the inside linebackers for the Patriots. But the league has long been moving in a direction toward valuing talent and fresh ideas over experience. Brian Flores’ early success with the Miami Dolphins is proof that you don’t necessarily need to be a coordinator first before becoming a head coach. Flores was the de facto defensive coordinator for the Patriots in 2019, but technically speaking, he went from linebackers coach straight to head coach.
The Eagles also have an opening at defensive coordinator, which would still represent a promotion for Mayo. Philadelphia has already interviewed defensive-minded candidates like Todd Bowles and Robert Saleh.
Patriots inside linebackers coach Jerod Mayo meets with linebacker Josh Uche during a game against the Arizona Cardinals. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
If Mayo doesn’t take a head coaching job outside of New England, he ought to be considered a strong candidate to succeed Bill Belichick as head coach of the Patriots. He has an extremely high football IQ and was like a coach on the field during his playing career, as the longtime signal-caller of the Patriots defense.
Mayo has a magnetic personality and knows how to relate to players. He’s well-respected in the Pats locker room and around the league and should certainly get a head coaching opportunity sooner rather than later. The Eagles may not ultimately hire him, but they will certainly come away impressed.
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All things considered, Mayo may be the kind of coach that the Krafts would want to keep around for when the day comes that Belichick calls it a career. Because that time is approaching. It would be best for the Patriots not to let it sneak up on them.
Matt Dolloff is a digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Yell at him on Twitter @mattdolloff or send him a nasty email at matthew.dolloff@bbgi.com.
