Jerod Mayo is remembered as the star linebacker who captained the New England Patriots defense for eight seasons and made two Pro Bowls. While he decided to hang up the cleats in 2015, Mayo still believes his future is in football -- as a head coach.
Mayo began his coaching career under his former head coach Bill Belichick, taking over as the Patriots' inside linebackers coach in 2019. It didn't take long for him to make major strides as a coaching candidate, however, as the Philadelphia Eagles even interviewed him for their head coaching vacancy this past offseason -- after just two years as an assistant! Mayo also became somewhat of a fan favorite as a head coaching prospect while the University of Tennessee, Mayo's alma mater, went through their recent coaching search. The 35-year-old recently confirmed the hype, saying that he would like to be a head man one day.
"I definitely have aspirations to be a head coach," Mayo said, via Chris Mason of Mass Live. "But to your point, really focused on this team. And we have a great head coach here in New England. But that is the goal. That is the goal. I think I could do it — well, I should say I know I can do it. I'm just waiting for my chance to really come to fruition."
Belichick has sent many former assistants to new head coaching jobs in the NFL, such as Bill O'Brien, Matt Patricia, Brian Flores and Joe Judge. Mayo, the former First Team All-Pro player who led the league in tackles in 2010, has established himself as a hard worker with a passion for the game. Don't be surprised if he secures multiple interviews this next offseason.
