Jerod Mayo is returning to the New England Patriots -- this time as the team’s linebacker’s coach.
Mayo, who spent his entire eight-year NFL career with the Patriots, has remained close to the team since retiring, but will now join the coaching staff in an official capacity. Previously, Mayo had worked as an analyst for NBC Sports Boston.
Mayo announced the move in a post on Instagram.
“It is with great excitement, passion, and sense of purpose to share with you that I have accepted Coach Belichick’s offer to rejoin the New England Patriots as a Coach," Mayo wrote. “I am eager to get started and work hard alongside so many of my former coaches and teammates, all who I know to be solely focused on maintaining the winning culture we have come to know as the Patriot Way. I want to thank my loved ones, most importantly my wife Chantel and our four children, for their constant support as we enter this exciting new chapter of our lives.”
NBC Sports Boston’s Tom E. Curran, who worked with Mayo as part of their Patriots coverage, reports the Mayo will be joining the team as linebackers coach. That position was previously filled by Brian Flores, who also served as New England’s defensive playcaller during his final season with the team.
Mayo was drafted 10th overall by the Patriots in the 2008 NFL Draft and immediately became an impact player. Mayo recorded 126 tackles as a rookie starter in 2008. In 2010, he led the league with 175 total tackles, leading to the first of two Pro Bowl appearances.
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