8 primary head coaching targets for the Carolina Panthers in 2023
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers should target Jerod Mayo
If the Carolina Panthers want to gamble a little on their next head coaching hire if Matt Rhule doesn’t get another year, then someone like Jerod Mayo should be discussed. After an outstanding playing career with the New England Patriots, Bill Belichick kept him around in a coaching capacity and he has thrived ever since.
Mayo is a leader of men that’s climbed the ladder at a rapid rate. The linebackers coach is already an influential member of New England’s staff and is trusted by Belichick, which will do his chances of becoming a head coach down the line a tremendous amount of good.
Whether this upcoming cycle is too soon for Mayo remains to be seen. There was some interest in 2022 without securing a formal offer, so it would be a shock if similar attention didn’t come his way next time around.
According to a recent report, David Tepper wants an experienced coach in the event Rhule cannot do enough to keep his job. Mayo has plenty of that from a playing capacity, but he is still relatively new to coaching circles and hasn’t held a prominent play-calling position as yet.
That might complicate matters. But all it would take is for Tepper to be convinced by Mayo if he was given an interview and this is a move that is likely to be a big hit within the locker room.