A former New England Patriots star linebacker is reportedly the front-runner to succeed Bill Belichick as the head coach in Foxborough.
The Patriots are expected to part ways with the legendary head coach after the season. Earlier this week, Patriots insider Tom Curran reported that the decision was made to make a coaching change following the club’s loss to the Indianapolis Colts in Germany last month.
According to ESPN’s Dan Graziano, ex-Patriots Pro Bowler and current inside linebackers coach Jerod Mayo is the leading candidate to replace Belichick:
“Multiple sources in and around the building say Mayo taking over next year is the most likely outcome, though others are no longer certain that’s the way Kraft will go. Mayo would have to sell Kraft on who will be in charge of the offense, the quarterback’s development and personnel.
That could all happen and work out in Mayo’s favor, but it doesn’t sound like it’s a 100% sure thing. Tennessee coach Mike Vrabel, recently inducted into the Patriots Hall of Fame for his contributions as a player, is among the other names mentioned in league circles as a potential candidate to succeed Belichick, though there’s no indication a split between him and the Titans is imminent. NFL rules require a full search with multiple interviews, and no one should assume any succession plans that were in place a year ago remain.”
The 2008 Defensive Rookie of the Year spent his entire playing career with New England, which spanned from 2008 to 2015. Mayo was named to the 2010 and 2012 Pro Bowls, helping the Patriots to two Super Bowl appearances (in the 2011 and 2014 seasons).
Though Mayo missed most of the 2014 season with a torn patellar tendon, the Patriots went on to win Super Bowl 49 over the Seattle Seahawks, landing Mayo the lone championship ring of his playing career.
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Mayo returned to New England in 2019 to serve as the inside linebackers coach under Belichick. Renowned for his leadership and ability to connect with players, it certainly only feels like a matter of time until Mayo is an NFL head coach — be it in New England or somewhere else.
And if Belichick does leave New England, he shouldn’t be out of work for long.
