With their return to the NFL playoffs a short one, the New England Patriots are already in the process of preparing for the 2022 season. This also means that they will have to make decisions about their coaching staff: Will all of its members be back, or will some need to be replaced either because they were hired elsewhere, let go, or retired?
The next few weeks will answer those questions, but there are a few bits of information we already know: several teams have requested interviews with members of New England’s coaching staff and front office.
Jerod Mayo, inside linebackers coach
Coming off his third season as the Patriots’ inside linebackers coach, Jerod Mayo remains one of the hottest young names on the coaching market. The 35-year-old, who already did a head coaching interview in Philadelphia last year, is quite busy again this year:
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Denver Broncos: First interview completed (Jan. 19) - Las Vegas Raiders: First interview completed (Jan. 25)
In case Mayo decides to leave New England for a head coaching opportunity elsewhere, New England would receive two third-round draft choices — one in 2022 and one in 2023 — as compensation.
Dave Ziegler, director of player personnel
Taking over Nick Caserio’s old role last year, Dave Ziegler served as the Patriots’ de facto general manager and Bill Belichick’s right-hand man during the 2021 season. Given that he does not hold the official GM title, however, he could be hired away by other teams.
- Las Vegas Raiders: Hired as general manager
Eliot Wolf, scouting consultant
Eliot Wolf played a prominent role in the Patriots’ pre-draft process last spring and regularly represented the organization on the scouting trail. He has considerable experience from his time in Green Bay, Cleveland and, briefly, Seattle.
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Minnesota Vikings: First interview completed (Jan. 18) -
Chicago Bears: Second interview planned; first interview completed (Jan. 20)
The two teams interviewing Wolf, the Vikings and Bears, went in different direction in their search for new general managers.
Josh McDaniels, offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach
One of the longest-tenured assistants on Bill Belichick’s staff, Josh McDaniels is coming off his 18th total season with the Patriots — including the last 10 straight as the team’s offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. The 45-year-old has some head coaching experience arleady, having led the Broncos during a tumultuous tenure between 2009 and 2010.
- Las Vegas Raiders: Hired as head caoch (Jan. 30)