Yahoo Sports Patriots want to keep de facto DC Jerod Mayo but not Matt Patricia's play-calling
Bill Belichick is looking for a new offensive coordinator
The New England Patriots just outlined their main offseason to-do list.
The team announced Thursday that it has begun to discuss a potential contract extension for linebackers coach Jerod Mayo, a head-coaching candidate who handled defensive play-calling this season. New England also said it would begin interviewing offensive coordinators next week.
The New England Patriots and Head Coach Bill Belichick have begun contract extension discussions with Jerod Mayo that would keep him with the team long-term. In addition, the team will begin interviewing for offensive coordinator candidates beginning next week.
The Patriots are unique in the NFL in that they played this season without an offensive or defensive coordinator. The first position opened after former offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels left to become head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders last offseason, and the defensive coordinator spot has been formally vacant since Matt Patricia left in 2018.
Mayo has shared defensive play-calling duties with fellow linebackers coach Steve Belichick since the exit of Brian Flores, who held the same role, in 2019. The results were strong this season, with the Patriots ranking fifth in the NFL in yards allowed per play, with 5.0, despite losing the likes of Dont’a Hightower, J.C. Jackson and Stephon Gilmore the past two seasons.
The offensive play-calling — the entire offense, really — hasn't been so successful.
To replace McDaniels, Belichick reportedly turned to a brain trust of offensive line coach Patricia (yes, the former defensive coordinator) and quarterbacks coach Joe Judge, both failed head coaches who returned to the mothership.
Patricia was selected as the offensive play-caller, with subpar results. The Patriots offense struggled mightily this offseason, ranking 19th in yards per play while opposing coaches mocked them and quarterback Mac Jones bristled on the sideline.
With that context, it's no wonder the Patriots are looking for a new offensive coordinator, though an internal candidate could still be in the realm of possibility.
