The New England Patriots were not prepared to see one of their top assistants leave the organization.

Jerod Mayo, who played for the Patriots for 7 seasons, has been with the team as the inside linebackers coach since 2019. Mayo’s name had been popular among teams with coaching vacancies this offseason. It was reported that Mayo was receiving interest for the Carolina Panthers HC gig and the DC gig in Cleveland.

In response, the usually-reserved Patriots released a statement announcing that Mayo will be signed to a contract extension.

“The New England Patriots and Head Coach Bill Belichick have begun contract extension discussions with Jerod Mayo that would keep him with the team long-term,” said the team’s press release.

The statement also announced that the team “will begin interviewing for offensive coordinator candidates beginning next week.”

This statement is not typical of the Patriots’ organization, which is notorious for keeping things close to the vest. It seems that Mayo will be staying around Foxborough for the foreseeable future.