Patriots defensive assistant reportedly on head coaching shortlist

Patriots assistant coaches are expected to be connected to teams early and often in this year’s NFL coaching carousel. With ‘Black Monday’ looming, we should have a good idea soon exactly how many teams will be hiring. For those unfamiliar with the term, ‘Black Monday’ refers to the Monday after the final week of the NFL regular season. It’s when most teams who want to fire coaches do so, kicking off staff movement around the league.

One job that’s not formally open, but is expected to be in the coming days, is the Chicago Bears. Matt Nagy is in his fourth year in Chicago, with his contract set to expire. The Bears have backslid under Nagy, failing to finish over .500 since his first season when they went 12-4. They are currently 6-10 and eliminated from playoff contention.

According to Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated, Patriots’ inside linebackers coach Jerod Mayo is expected to receive interest from Chicago. “I’ve heard a few younger candidates that project as leaders, like Patriots LBs coach Jerod Mayo and Colts DC Matt Eberflus, will be in the mix, Breer writes. “I’ve heard they won’t be focused solely on quarterback-developers like they were when they landed Nagy in 2018, with their focus likely on leader-of-men types.” Breer also named Bills defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier as a candidate, with Saints head coach Sean Payton and Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh as long-shot options.

Chicago projects to be one of the more attractive job openings in the NFL this offseason. There’s already a young quarterback on the roster in 2021 11th overall pick Justin Fields, and the team is set up to have over $40 million in available cap space.

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  This isn't the first time Mayo has been in the running for an NFL head coach opening. The 35-year-old interviewed with the Eagles last year.
  
  Mayo is currently in his third year on the Patriots' staff, spending all three as a linebackers coach. It's his first and only coaching gig - he spent time in the media after retiring in 2015. Still, in short time he's established himself as one of the top assistant coaches in football.
  
  While it is uncommon for positional coaches to be hired right into head coaching roles without a stop as a coordinator, Mayo's situation is a little different. The Patriots don't officially employ a defensive coordinator, so he has split those duties with outside linebackers coach Steve Belichick over the last few years.
  
  In other coaching search news, the Jacksonville Jaguars - who fired Urban Meyer in-season - are expected to speak with former Patriots offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien next week per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. O'Brien will be the ninth known candidate to interview for the position.
  
  Among those who haven't spoken with the Jaguars is Patriots' offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. McDaniels was expected to be a candidate for the job early in the process, but to this point there's no information about the two sides being in contact.

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Alex Barth is a writer and 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. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at abarth@985TheSportsHub.com.