4 defensive coordinators Jacksonville Jaguars must pursue in 2021

The Jacksonville Jaguars could offer Jared Mayo his first DC job.

Linebackers coach Jerod Mayo is the closest the New England Patriots have had to a defensive coordinator in the last two seasons. He joined the team as a player in 2008 and had a productive eight-year career. All in all, he registered 803 total tackles, 11 sacks, eight forced fumbles, 19 pass breakups, three interceptions and was named First-Team All-Pro in 2010.

Although Mayo hung the cleats after the 2015 season, he joined the Patriots coaching staff in 2019 and has quickly become a rising star. Even though he doesn’t have the defensive coordinator title, safety Duron Harmon confirmed in 2019 that Mayo is calling the plays.

In his first year as a member of Bill Belichick’s coaching staff, the defense ranked first in points allowed and yards. They currently rank seventh in points given up despite the fact linebacker Dont’a Hightower and safety Patrick Chung decided to opt-out of the 2020 season due to COVID-19 concerns.

It’s true that other members of the Belichick coaching tree, such as Matt Patricia, have flopped once they leave New England, but Mayo is well-liked and respected in the Patriots locker room. He surely would be an asset in Jacksonville.