Not only does first-year New England Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo have the unenviable task of following up Bill Belichick’s stellar 24-year run in Foxboro, but he will also have to rebuild his coaching staff.
Here’s who the NFL’s youngest head coach has reportedly been linked to:
Offensive Coordinator
Zac Robinson- After Bill O’Brien’s second go around in Foxboro came to an end after one season, New England could try to follow up with another second act in Foxboro. Robinson, the Los Angeles Rams quarterbacks coach and pass game coordinator, was drafted in the 7th round of the 2010 NFL Draft by the Patriots. It’s safe to say that Robinson’s time with the Rams has been more prolific than his playing career. The 37-year-old has played a crucial role in the Rams’ efficient offense in recent years, including their 2021 Super Bowl.
Nick Caley- Robinson’s comrade on the sideline may be his competitor for a promotion. Caley worked in New England from 2015-2022, most recently serving as the club’s tight end coach in 2022. The 40-year-old was previously interviewed for the Patriots offensive coordinator position before O’Brien was awarded the position. According to Patriots staff writer Evan Lazar, it’s possible both Robinson and Caley make their way back to New England.
Shane Waldron- Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator has reportedly interviewed for the same position in New England, according to Sports Illustrated.
Dan Pitcher- Bengals QB coach Dan Pitcher reportedly had a zoom interview with the Patriots scheduled for Tuesday as well as meetings with the Las Vegas Raiders and New Orleans Saints.
Defensive Coordinator
DeMarcus Covington- New England’s current defensive line coach will get an opportunity for some upward mobility. Covington, who has been with the Patriots since 2017, will interview for the currently vacant defensive coordinator position, according to CBS’ Jonathan Jones. Covington should be considered the favorite, Albert Breer reported Tuesday.
“Covington, as it stands right now, is a strong favorite, and brings seven years of experience working in the building to the table—the past five as a defensive position coach alongside new head coach Jerod Mayo,” writes Breer.
Michael Hodges- After coaching alongside Covington at Eastern Illinois, Hodges also made the jump to pros in 2017. Hodges has worked his way up from a defensive assistant in New Orleans and now serves as the Saints’ linebackers coach. “A huge part of that defense that was a Top 10 scoring defense in each of the last four seasons,” adds NFL insider Ian Rapoport.
Christian Parker- Despite only being 32 years old, Parker has already earned himself fans in front offices across the NFL after spending the past three seasons as the Denver Broncos defensive backs coach.
Tem Lukabu- Lukabu has bounced around the college and professional levels in his young career but helped turn the Carolina Panthers pass rush around last year as the team’s outside linebackers coach. The backers, led by two-time Pro Bowler Brian Burns, were responsible for 14 of Carolina’s 27 total sacks in 2023.
Gerald Alexander- Pittsburgh Steelers defensive backs coach Gerald Alexander reportedly interviewed for the DC job, according to Sports Illustrated.
Special Teams Coordinator
Thomas McGaughey- McGaughey had been the New York Giants Special Teams Coordinator since 2018 but was let go this past season.
Jeremy Springer- Springer coached at the collegiate level for eight seasons before making the leap to the NFL with the Rams two years ago.
Marquice Williams- The Atlanta Falcons previously blocked the New York Giants from interviewing their well-respected special teams leader.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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