There’s been frankly way too much discussion on the official titles of New England Patriots coaches in recent years. And that’s their fault. If they simply officially named people certain titles and roles, there wouldn’t be much to talk about at all there.

But under new head coach Jerod Mayo, will that stay the same? Based on comments made by Mayo last April, when he was still the “linebackers coach” but really seemed more like a defensive coordinator or assistant head coach, he doesn’t believe too strongly in official, rigidly defined roles, either.

MORE: Patriots to interview top offensive coordinator candidate

“New England never has roles,” Mayo deadpanned (watch via

"New England never has titles."

Jerod Mayo explained why he never received a title change this offseason and who will be calling plays for the Patriots defense. @GeorgeBalekji | #ForeverNE | #Patriots | #NFL | https://t.co/UmVAEbMbZC pic.twitter.com/9xbnu7zzDK

— NESN (@NESN) April 18, 2023" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NESN). “Honestly, that’s what it is, the whole ‘role’ thing. That’s not important, as long as I’m growing. For me, it’s about growth, it’s about personal development, and that’s what I’m focused on.

“It’s pretty fluid as far as, let’s call it, ‘the classes,’ the management stuff.”

• Now, we don’t want to let those comments get lost in translation. Mayo does not seem averse to naming an official offensive coordinator or defensive coordinator. It’s more that he doesn’t want to pigeonhole anyone into a single role and leave them without opportunities to grow or evolve professionally.

  Based on recent coordinator interviews in New England, it sounds like the Patriots will indeed name coordinators. That will be just another departure from Bill Belichick that Mayo will provide. What exactly will all those new coordinators and assistants do? That seems more up in the air.

  But they’ll at least have a title.

  "New England never has titles."
  
  Jerod Mayo explained why he never received a title change this offseason and who will be calling plays for the Patriots defense. @GeorgeBalekji | #ForeverNE | #Patriots | #NFL | https://t.co/UmVAEbMbZC pic.twitter.com/9xbnu7zzDK

  — NESN (@NESN) April 18, 2023

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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. Check out all of Matt’s content.