According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Philadelphia Eagles are adding another defensive mind to their list of potential Head Coach candidates.
The man in question is Patriots ILB Coach Jerod Mayo. He joins 49ers DC Robert Saleh, and Bucs DC Todd Bowles as the third coach from the defensive side of the ball to be highlighted. The trend is surprising given the Eagles’ current quarterback situation and shell of an offense left behind after the departure of Doug Pederson and his committee of offensive minds.
Mayo is a name that should be familiar to most. He was drafted by the Packers 10th overall back in 2008 and spent his entire career with the team, earning 2 pro Bowl nods and a Super Bowl ring while appearing in 103 games.
The Tennessee product was a team captain for seven straight seasons and led the NFL in tackles on two occasions, while leading the Pats in each of his first five years.
After retiring in 2015, Mayo took a break from the world of Football before returning home in 2019 in a coaching role with the Patriots.
In his first year as a Coach, he helped Dont’a Hightower to 5.5 sacks and 71 tackles, both tallies were his most since 2014. Hightower opted out of the 2020 season, leaving the Pats light on depth.
Ja’whaun Bentley rallied to 91 tackles in his absence but struggled in run-support. However, 24-year-old Terez Hall very much became the fan-favorite underdog linebacker this season, taking advantage of any opportunities given after spending a year on the practice squad.
Mayo is more than just a former player. He’s someone that has become the embodiment of ‘The Patriot way’ and has achieved just about everything there is to achieve. He could be of huge influence to a very young linebacker group.
It’s interesting that the Eagles would target an LB coach of all positions, given that they place no value on their own talent whatsoever and seem reluctant to spend significant assets. Perhaps this signifies a change of heart is coming?
Photo by Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire
