Former Vols standout could be in line to take over for an NFL legend

Former Tennessee Vols standout Jerod Mayo could be in line to take over for an NFL legend. Mayo, who is currently the inside linebackers coach for the New England Patriots, has been receiving serious head coaching interest in recent years. That interest hasn't waned this offseason. If anything, it's increased. But that doesn't mean Mayo […]

Zach Ragan — Tennessee Volunteers News Writer

Jan 13, 2023 10:13 AM EST

Former Tennessee Vols standout Jerod Mayo could be in line to take over for an NFL legend.

Mayo, who is currently the inside linebackers coach for the New England Patriots, has been receiving serious head coaching interest in recent years. That interest hasn't waned this offseason. If anything, it's increased.

Carolina is requesting permission to interview Patriots inside linebackers coach Jerod Mayo for its head coaching job, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 12, 2023

But that doesn't mean Mayo is leaving New England.

News broke on Thursday night that the Patriots are working on an extension to keep Mayo in New England.

Mayo wants to be a head coach — that's no secret. So why would he entertain an extension to stay in New England as an assistant when other teams are expressing interest in him as a head coach?

From the Patriots: the team have begun negotiations with assistant Jerod Mayo to keep him with the team long-term and will begin the process of interviewing offensive coordinator candidates next week.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) January 12, 2023

The only thing that makes sense is that New England wants Mayo to be the heir apparent to Bill Belichick.

Belichick has always thought highly of Mayo, dating back to the former Vol's days as a linebacker for the Patriots. So it wouldn't be a surprise if Mayo is Belichick's hand-picked successor. I think the assumption has always been that when Belichick retires, he'll have a hand in picking his replacement.

The big question, of course, revolves around the end of Belichick's career as the Patriots head coach. When does he retire? Belichick turns 71 this spring. The end has to be near.

Mayo might be wise to wait. Or he might prefer a different situation. Albert Breer reported on Thursday night that Mayo might still interview with the Panthers.

Coach-in-waiting scenarios don't always work out. But Mayo might be tempted to stick it out in New England and wait for that job. The Patriots are the only NFL franchise he's ever known — I could certainly understand if he would prefer to stay with the Patriots and wait his turn in New England.

Featured image via Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports