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Here’s how Jerod Mayo feels about the Patriots and ‘titles’

Will the Patriots’ assistant coaches under Jerod Mayo have actual titles and defined roles? Here is Mayo’s unique take on the matter.

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - JANUARY 17: Newly appointed head coach Jerod Mayo of the New England Patriots speaks to the media during a press conference at Gillette Stadium on January 17, 2024 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – JANUARY 17: Newly appointed head coach Jerod Mayo of the New England Patriots speaks to the media during a press conference at Gillette Stadium on January 17, 2024 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

Maddie Meyer/Getty Images

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.

"New England never has roles," Mayo deadpanned (watch via 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."

Jan 17, 2024; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft (left) announces the hiring of head coach Jerod Mayo (right) at Gillette Stadium. Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY SportsEric Canha-USA TODAY Sports

Jan 17, 2024; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft (left) announces the hiring of head coach Jerod Mayo (right) at Gillette Stadium. Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports

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.

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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.

Matt, a North Andover, Massachusetts native, has been with The Sports Hub since 2010. Growing up the son of Boston University All-American and Melrose High School hall-of-fame hockey player Steve Dolloff, sports was always a part of his life. After attending Northeastern University, Matt focused his love of sports on writing, extensively writing about all four major Boston teams. He also is a co-host of the Sports Hub Underground podcast and is a regular on-air contributor on the Sports Hub. Matt writes about all New England sports from Patriots football to Boston Celtics and Boston Bruins.