Patriots Rumors: Jerod Mayo set up to succeed Bill Belichick in Foxboro

In his first media session of the year, New England Patriots coach Jerod Mayo expressed his desire to be in New England for the next few years.

When Mayo was asked about his decision to stay in New England, he explained by stating:

"“It would take a lot for me to leave. This is where I want to be.”"

Mayo drew interest for head coaching and defensive coordinator openings early this offseason but didn’t pursue any of those positions and opted to remain on Bill Belichick’s staff.

In the session, Mayo also explained how he does not have a new title yet, however, he was involved in some new things in the offseason, including some of the coaching interviews for the offensive coordinator and offensive lineman coaching positions.

Mayo was brought in as the linebackers coach in 2019, he previously played linebacker for the Patriots from 2008 to 2015. Mayo had an impressive playing career. He was named NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2008, was First-team All-Pro in 2010, a two-time Pro Bowler (2010, 2012), was named the New England Patriots All-2010s Team, and is a Super Bowl XLIX Champion.

Will Mayo be Belichick’s successor as Patriots head coach?

Another noteworthy comment from the session is when Mayo was asked if being a head coach was still a goal, to which he responded, “Absolutely. 100 percent.”

Given that he was pursued for head coaching roles in the offseason and yet decided to stay with the Patriots in a lesser role, leaves many to wonder if being the Patriots’ head coach is in his future. While the position is not available just yet, at 71 years old retirement has to be on the mind of the current head coach, Bill Belichick.

In March of this year, Patriots owner Robert Kraft indicated he already knows who he would prefer to replace Belichick whenever he decides to walk away from football. His answer was Jerod Mayo.

"“Well, he’s definitely a strong candidate to be the heir apparent, but we have some other good people in our system. So right now, we have a good head coach, and we’re doing everything we can to support him, and make sure we do everything we can to win.”"

Also back in March, former Patriots linebacker and Mayo teammate, Brandon Spikes suggested that Mayo would be the perfect candidate to take over Belichick, even referring to Mayo as “Belichick 2.0”.

"“When they talk of the ‘Patriot Way,’ I think of Jerod Mayo. Even though we were playing next to each other, Jerod was my coach. I knew I could go to him and get the details for what we were trying to get done, and he could deliver it to me just as Belichick would. Even as a player, he was already a coach.”"

With endorsements from former players and teammates as well as the owner, it is without question that whenever Belichick decides to retire, Mayo will be at the top of the Patriots’ head coaching candidates list.