Throughout the 2024 season, it had become clear that the new regime led by Jerod Mayo was struggling to gain footing and make the kind of impact on the Patriots team that Robert Kraft had hoped for when he decided to dismiss Bill Belichick. The former linebacker was expected to turn the ship around and make them a competitive team again, only to replicate the kind of year that led to Belichick's fire and ultimately led to his own demise, as well.
He was quickly dismissed after New England's season finale game against the Bills, a game in which the Patriots won and dropped from the first overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft to the fourth. This might also have been a reason for Kraft's quick decision-making.
Because the owner moved so swiftly and it had been long anticipated he would do so, the assumption all offseason so far has been that Mayo will be looking from the outside in much like Josh McDaniels did after he was let go from the Raiders in 2023.
However, the latest rumor suggests Mayo might be on a team's radar for a recent vacancy on their coaching staff, and it's a team with which the Patriots are historically familiar.
Jerod Mayo is listed as a potential candidate to join Mike Tomlin's staff in Pittsburgh
During an appearance on the "North Shore Drive" podcast earlier this week, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Ray Fittipaldo named Mayo as an excellent fit for the Steelers' vacant linebackers coach role which recently became available.
Despite the negativity surrounding his stint as a head coach, Mayo might be in good standing as a position coach, as he had served that role for years before Kraft ultimately chose him to be Belichick's successor, creating another opportunity for him to continue his coaching career outside of Foxboro.
"Mayo has never played or coached anywhere else. He's always been a Patriot; obviously he'll be looking for a job now. I like that idea. Bring somebody in who's been a part of successful teams and see what he can add to your program. There's a bunch of guys who are going to be out there like him, but Mayo would be perfect because he played linebacker in the league."
This could be a great way for Mayo to broaden his horizons and regain the confidence and respect he likely lost not only within himself but also from those around the league. He had once been considered a highly touted future head coach, even having been requested for interviews by other teams. But his poor showing in New England has almost certainly squashed that dream for now.
If he wants to continue coaching, getting out of the Patriots bubble has proven beneficial for plenty of guys before him, and who better to work with than another widely respected head coach like Mike Tomlin?
If Mayo chooses that option and the Steelers are legitimately interested, it could be a great transition for him, potentially earning him another shot at being a head coach in the future.