NFL owner makes strong statement about former Tennessee Vols star
A former Tennessee Vols standout could be a head coach in the NFL in the not-so-distant future. In fact, if one NFL owner gets his wish, it will be guaranteed to happen. New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft made his feelings about former Vols linebacker Jerod Mayo, who is currently the Patriots' inside linebackers coach, […]
A former Tennessee Vols standout could be a head coach in the NFL in the not-so-distant future.
In fact, if one NFL owner gets his wish, it will be guaranteed to happen.
New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft made his feelings about former Vols linebacker Jerod Mayo, who is currently the Patriots' inside linebackers coach, clear on Monday at the NFL owner's meetings.
Kraft told reporters that Mayo, who was a coveted head coach option for several teams this offseason, will be an NFL head coach one day.
And he told reporters that he hopes Mayo sticks around with the Patriots.
"Jerod is an individual, I think there is no ceiling on his ability to grow and how competent he is…I was happy we were able to sit with him and keep him long term," said Kraft on Monday. "I’m going to do everything I can to make that happen.”
Mayo signed an extension with the Patriots earlier this offseason.
Kraft didn't come out and explicitly say that Mayo will be the heir to Bill Belichick in New England. But his words certainly seem to indicate that Mayo taking over for Belichick is the plan.
As for Belichick's future with the Patriots, Kraft said he'd like to see the legendary head coach break Don Shula's all-time record for wins.
Belichick has 298 career regular season wins and 329 total wins including the postseason. Shula retired with 328 regular season wins and 347 wins including the postseason.
