Recently retired Patriots legend may be returning to Foxboro
The Patriots have quite a roller coaster ride type of offseason thus far, with headlines filled with rumors and speculation dominating any news about the team.
But before most of the chaos really took off, the team released an unprecedented memo that, in part, revealed their offseason plan to keep longtime Patriots player and coach Jerod Mayo with the organization for years to come.
Although the news wasn’t a complete shock, given how well respected and sought after the former linebacker had been, it was known that Mayo had at least one head coaching interview set up that he was reportedly set to take. The memo implied that was no longer the case, and shortly after that, it was reported that Mayo canceled the interview and intended to remain in New England.
When speaking to the press on Tuesday, Mayo was asked why he decided to stay in Foxboro despite the potential opportunities he could pursue elsewhere.
"“I love it here in Boston. I pretty much was raised here in Boston. I came here in 2008. It would take a lot for me to leave. This is where I want to be, and I feel the same way from the coaching staff and also from Mr. Kraft. I wanted to be here because I feel like we do it right here.”"
Upon allegedly reaching a contract extension, speculation began regarding what Mayo’s future with the organization may look like, with most concluding he could be Bill Belichick’s successor. When speaking to the media last month, even Robert Kraft hinted at the idea.
With that in mind and his rumored involvement in more interviews and processes in recent months, Mayo was asked about his new title and how he would describe his current position with the team.
He clarified that he does not have a new title, reiterating the Patriots are not big into that, but mentioned that the most important thing to him is growth.
"“New England never has roles. I mean, honestly, that’s what it is. The whole role thing, that’s not important as long as I’m growing. For me, it’s about growth. It’s about personal development. And that’s what I’m focused on. So look, I’ll be working with the defense again. I’ll be working with the linebackers again. But honestly it’s pretty fluid as long as the classes, the management stuff.”"
Because becoming a head coach is his ultimate goal, when asked about his former teammate Dont’a Hightower’s recent retirement, Mayo floated the idea of the linebacker joining his future coaching staff when the time comes.
"“I think Dont’a Hightower would be a very good coach. When I get a chance to run my own ship, I’ll try to recruit him.”"
Considering the number of former Patriots that have made their way back in a coaching capacity, it wouldn’t be surprising if Hightower became one of the latest to do so. And Mayo is right; he would be a very good coach, as much as he was a great player.