Jerod Mayo won’t be leaving the New England Patriots this off-season – for a defensive coordinator job, anyway.
As first reported by NBC Sports Boston’s Phil Perry, Mayo let the Cleveland Browns know he won’t be interviewing for their defensive coordinator opening. This report comes the day after the Patriots’ stunning announcement that they’ve begun contract extension talks with Mayo, and will also begin interviewing candidates to become offensive coordinator next week.
This is a strong indication that Mayo is going to become the Patriots’ defensive coordinator, or a role of similar importance. However, Mayo remains a possible head coach candidate, including for the Carolina Panthers, who have reportedly requested to interview him. Patriots insider Jeff Howe tweeted Thursday night that the Patriots “don’t want to lose [Mayo] for anything short of a head coaching job.”
Meanwhile, it was not Mayo, but outside linebackers coach Steve Belichick who called plays on defense in the 2022 season, making the latter the team’s de facto defensive coordinator. So perhaps it is the eldest Belichick son who becomes DC, while Mayo becomes something along the lines of, “assistant head coach/defense.” Once Mayo does finalize a long-term deal, that would point to him as a strong possibility to be tabbed as Bill Belichick’s eventual successor as head coach.
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – JANUARY 09: Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots and inside linebackers coach Jerod Mayo talk on the sidelines in the fourth quarter of the game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on January 09, 2022 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
As for the offensive coordinator opening, the Patriots have their options, both internally and externally. But they must interview at least one external minority candidate for the offensive coordinator job, under the Rooney Rule. Per NFL rules, if the Patriots wish to interview anyone on a team still in the playoffs to become their OC, they have to wait until the week of the conference championships.
Names to know as likely candidates for the Patriots’ offensive coordinator opening are Alabama/former Patriots OC Bill O’Brien; Browns passing game coordinator/wide receivers coach and former Pats assistant Chad O’Shea; Rams quarterbacks coach/passing game coordinator Zac Robinson; and current Patriots tight ends coach Nick Caley.
The Patriots may also have an opening at their own QBs coach spot, if Bill Belichick plans to reassign Joe Judge to another role. Matt Patricia was also the Patriots’ senior football advisor and offensive line coach in addition to de facto offensive coordinator, so it remains to be seen what role Patricia fills in 2023 and which ones will need to be replaced.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – DECEMBER 18: Coach Matt Patricia
and Mac Jones #10 of the New England Patriots react during the first half against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on December 18, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Getty Images)