The Denver Broncos have asked the New England Patriots permission to interview linebackers coach Jerod Mayo for their head coach opening, ESPN’s Adam Schefter first reported Monday.
Mayo, 35, would be a candidate to replace former coach Vic Fangio, who was fired by the Broncos on Sunday. Mayo has served as New England’s inside linebackers coach since 2019.
Mayo played linebacker for the Patriots from 2008-2015, winning one Super Bowl and earning two Pro Bowl nods during that time. He joined New England’s coaching staff three years ago and has quickly emerged as a promising young head coach candidate.
If hired, Mayo wouldn’t be the first former Patriots linebacker to get a head coach job. Mike Vrabel won three Super Bowls in New England before going on to coach linebackers with the Houston Texans and later being promoted to defensive coordinator. Vrabel was hired by the Tennessee Titans as head coach in 2018.
Brian Flores didn’t play for the Patriots, but he also coached their linebackers (from 2016-2019) before being hired by the Miami Dolphins as head coach. Flores was fired by Miami on Monday and he should be a candidate for the Broncos as well.
Because New England’s in the playoffs, Denver would not be able to interview Mayo until next week, sometime between Jan. 18-22.
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