Jerod Mayo could be on his way to becoming an NFL head coach after several years on Bill Belichick’s staff in New England.

The former Tennessee great, an All-SEC 1st-team performer in 2007, went 10th overall to the Patriots in 2008 and spent his entire career with the franchise, being named the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year and winning a Super Bowl. After his retirement in 2015 due to injury, he returned to the Pats’ sideline in 2019 as inside linebackers coach.

However, his next step might be as the head coach of the Carolina Panthers. According to Adam Schefter, the Panthers have reached out to the Patriots for permission to interview the 36-year-old for their open slot.

Carolina hired Matt Rhule from Baylor in 2020 but parted ways with him 5 games into the 2022 season as he posted a record of 11-27. He eventually returned to the college ranks when he accepted the Nebraska head coaching position. Steve Wilks was the Panthers’ interim head coach after Rhule’s firing, going 6-6.