New England Patriots coach Jerod Mayo is reportedly turning to a trusted ally to serve as his strength and conditioning coach this season, and likely beyond.
Deron Mayo, the younger brother of the 15th head coach in franchise history, is expected to take a larger role within the unit he has helped prepare since 2018.
Mayo, 35, has assisted coach Moses Cabrera, who is not expected to return in 2024. Per a Sunday morning report from ESPN, Mayo is the most likley candidate to receive the promotion into the top spot.
“[Jerod] Mayo said in his introductory news conference, "I think the weight room is one of the most important areas in the building to evaluate the people you have on your team," wrote ESPN’s Mike Reiss. “Along those lines, it won't be a surprise if Mayo's brother, Deron, is elevated to a leading coaching role after serving as a strength and conditioning assistant the past six seasons. Moses Cabrera, who has been the head strength and conditioning coach the past eight seasons, is not expected to return.”
Mayo began his football career on the collegiate gridiron. He played his first three seasons at Hofstra before transferring to Old Dominion University for his senior season Though he signed with the Denver Broncos as an undrafted free agent in 2011, his on-field journey eventually led him to the Canadian Football League (CFL). Mayo played six seasons for the Calgary Stampeders, compiling 277 tackles, 14 sacks four fumble recoveries and one interception. He also helped Calgary to a Grey Cup Championship in 2014, as a standout linebacker and special teamer.
Following the conclusion of his playing career in 2017, May joined the Patriots conditioning department — one year before his brother Jerod was hired as inside linebackers coach under Bill Belichick.
Though it has yet to be made official, Mayo’s promotion would help put the finishing touches on a re-imaged New England coaching staff for the upcoming season. In addition to Jerod Mayo as the new head coach, the Pats will also employ Alex Van Pelt as new offensive coordinator, DeMarcus Covington as new defensive coordinator, and Jeremy Springer to lead special teams.
New England has also hired several high-profile assistants, including offensive assistant Ben McAdoo, assistant receivers coach Tiquan Underwood and linebackers coach — and former Patriots standout — Dont’a Hightower.
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