The Patriots just did something extremely un-Patriot-like: they announced their plans, in shockingly specific terms.
As announced by the team itself in a press release Thursday, Bill Belichick and the team have begun negotiations for a contract extension for inside linebackers coach Jerod Mayo. In addition, the Pats said they’ll begin interviews for a new offensive coordinator next week.
Excuse me?!
The surprise, here, is not that the Patriots are trying to keep Mayo or hiring an offensive coordinator. It’s that they came out and announced their intentions so plainly and directly. But it’s a package of news that should excite Patriots fans eager for changes on Belichick’s coaching staff, on either side of the ball.
Mayo was previously considered a candidate to become a head coach elsewhere, as recently as Thursday, when it was reported that the Carolina Panthers asked permission to interview Mayo for their opening. So, this sounds like the Patriots’ way of saying no.
The question for Mayo, now, is what his official title and role will be going forward. The team said they intend for Mayo to be kept in New England long-term. He could be defensive coordinator, but outside linebackers coach Steve Belichick has been the defensive play-caller in recent years. Mayo could be some form of “assistant head coach,” which would only reinforce beliefs that he is being tabbed as Belichick’s successor at the helm.
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)
The offensive coordinator piece of it, though, is what will bring more intrigue in the short-term. It’s eye-opening that the Patriots confirmed they will specifically give someone the title of OC in the first place, after Belichick hemmed and hawed on the value of titles before the 2022 season.
ESPN’s Dan Graziano says he expects Belichick to turn to a former assistant, such as Bill O’Brien. That would certainly make sense. Another name to watch is Chad O’Shea, who is currently the wide receivers coach and passing game coordinator for the Cleveland Browns. That should also mean tight ends coach Nick Caley will have a chance at promotion.
Welp, leave it to Belichick and the Patriots to still be full of surprises in 2023. Looks like they’ll be keeping us posted on their coaching changes themselves. Makes life a lot easier for us.
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)
