This Jerod Mayo nugget indicates that he’s line for a massive role on Patriots staff

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Jerod Mayo is going to be more than just a top defensive coach for the Patriots next season, if the latest nugget is any indication.

According to Albert Breer of The MMQB, Mayo has been present “alongside Bill Belichick” for the Patriots’ interviews for their open offensive coordinator position. Breer added that all the interviews conducted last week were via video conference.

The Mayo detail is significant, though. It’s an indication that his new contract will include a massive promotion, perhaps to something along the lines of “assistant head coach.” Patriots Senior Football Advisor Matt Patricia was reportedly involved in these types of meetings last off-season, including free agents on the player side of things.

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  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)

• Assuming Mayo takes on this major new role as one of Belichick’s top lieutenants, he likely would leave his post as inside linebackers coach, creating an opening on the defensive coaching staff. There would be no obvious candidate to replace him internally, except for Steve Belichick, who could conceivably graduate from just outside linebackers to all linebackers.

  But Mayo is of course the big one, here. Clearly, someone high up in the Patriots organization (perhaps his name rhymes with “draft”) said enough is enough with the team losing assistant coaches to bigger opportunities elsewhere. His promotion should ultimately make him the favorite to take over as head coach when Belichick leaves, considering the interest he’s already drawing around the league as an HC candidate.

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  GLENDALE, ARIZONA – DECEMBER 12: Coach Jerod Mayo of the New England Patriots during the NFL game at State Farm Stadium on December 12, 2022 in Glendale, Arizona. The Patriots defeated the Cardinals 27-13. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

• With Patricia and Joe Judge expected to be reassigned or otherwise removed from their roles on the offensive coaching staff, the Patriots will have other openings beyond just offensive coordinator. Bill O’Brien appears to be the favorite to become OC, but it’s likely the team is also in the market for a quarterbacks coach and offensive line coach.

  If and when Mayo gets promoted, they’ll have openings on defense, as well. We’ll keep you updated on all the relevant news and rumors when it comes to the Patriots’ off-season here at 985TheSportsHub.com.

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  LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – DECEMBER 18: (L-R) Bill Belichick and senior football advisor and offensive line coach Matt Patricia of the New England Patriots talk with quarterback Mac Jones #10 of the during a timeout in the first half of their game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on December 18, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

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  Matt Dolloff is a writer and podcaster 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 and follow him on Instagram @realmattdolloff. Check out all of Matt’s content here.