There’s a new update on Jerod Mayo’s ‘overall role’ with the Patriots

Most of the attention of the Patriots’ offseason so far has been paid to the offensive coaching staff. However, one of the biggest storylines has involved a member of the defensive staff, with the team issuing a statement in mid-January that the team had “begun negotiations for a contract extension for inside linebackers coach Jerod Mayo.” That was followed by Mayo declining interviews for both defensive coordinator and even head coaching jobs around the league.

Given the impactful nature of that statement and Mayo turning down interviews that would have been – on the surface – promotions from his current job, many expected big things would be in store for the 36-year-old former linebacker. Adding defensive coordinator (a position the Patriots haven’t officially had filled since the 2017 season) to his title seemed like a lock as he’s had some of the responsibilities that come with that title for most of his coaching tenure. Assistant or associate head coach was also speculated.

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• Since that initial statement though, not much has come out about what exactly will be changing for Mayo. He was listed in a ‘supervisory role’ for the team at the Shrine Bowl this past week, but that in itself didn’t tell us much.

  On Thursday we finally got a new update on Mayo’s situation from Karen Guregian of the Boston Herald, but its not one many fans were likely expecting. “Regarding Jerod Mayo, I’m hearing from a source we should pump the brakes on him having a new title going forward,” Guregian tweeted. “A pay raise for sure, and his overall role could change, but there might not be a different title.”

  Given what Mayo gave up interview-wise to stay with the Patriots, a pay bump seemed as guaranteed as possible. As for the rest of it, juggling titles and roles has been the Patriots’ M.O. as of late – as evidenced by their setup on the offensive side of the ball last year.

  In addition to being the inside linebackers coach, Mayo has also been the de facto co-defensive coordinator along with outside linebackers coach Steve Belichick. There’s not much room there to increase Mayo’s role or title without taking something away from Belichick. One solution could be making Mayo the overall linebackers coach, and moving Belichick to another position, but that seems unlikely. Without a title change though, we may not actually know how, if at all, Mayo’s role changes.

  This could also remain a mystery for the next few months, pending any further reports. The Patriots typically don’t release their coaching assignments for the season until the start of training camp in late July.

• Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at abarth@985TheSportsHub.com.