The New England Patriots announced on Thursday that they have begun contract extension discussions with inside linebackers coach Jerod Mayo. The extension would keep him in New England long-term.
Mayo was most recently the inside linebackers coach for the team last season, and he has served in that position since 2019. He was recently the subject of potential head coaching interviews, including being linked to a planned interview with the Carolina Panthers.
He was drafted by the Patriots in 2008 with the 10th overall pick. His stellar career included a Super Bowl championship, an All-Pro nod, two Pro Bowl invitations and an honor as NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2008. Mayo made the Pro Bowl twice in 2010 and 2012.
He helped coach a defensive unit that ranked among the best in football in 2022. They ranked eighth in the league with an average of 322 total yards allowed per game. They were also top-10 as a scoring defense with opponents averaging 20.4 points per game against them.
This is certainly a positive development for New England, as they look for cohesion with the coaching staff. This also bodes well for Mayo’s coaching career in the post-Belichick era.
