Carolina Panthers Request HC Interview With Patriots LB Coach Mayo

The Carolina Panthers are considering a former Pro Bowl linebacker for their head coaching vacancy. According to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, the team has officially requested an interview with New England Patriots linebackers coach Jerod Mayo.

The #Panthers requested an interview with #Patriots assistant Jerod Mayo for their head coaching job, per source.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 12, 2023

Mayo played inside linebacker for the Patriots from 2008 to 2015 after being drafted 10th overall in the 2008 NFL Draft. He earned Pro Bowls in 2010 and 2012, but he was never a huge part of a great defense. The Patriots ranked between 10th and 31st in yards allowed in his five seasons as the team's leading tackler.

Still, a person's ability as a player doesn't necessarily speak to their ability as a coach. Mayo rejoined the Patriots in 2019 as their linebackers coach, and their defenses have been more than respectable in his tenure, ranking eighth or better in yards allowed in three of the past four years.

As a former star player with a championship pedigree, Mayo would certainly command respect in whatever locker room he takes over. Still only 36 years old, his resume as a coach may be pretty thin, but in a world where Jeff Saturday can become interim head coach for the Indianapolis Colts without any professional or college experience, there's no reason Mayo can't find success.