The Patriots may not have to run an extensive coaching search to find Bill Belichick’s replacement — not with linebackers coach Jerod Mayo already in the building.
According to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport, Mayo stands as a “strong candidate” to take the reins of the Patriots in 2024, with the former All-Pro’s current contractual situation in New England potentially paving the way for an easier hiring process for the team.
“If he is the choice, the [Patriots] could simply hire him,” Rapoport posted on X Thursday night. “No need to go through the lengthy hiring process — they established a firm, contractual succession plan in a prior contract & communicated it to the NFL.