The Broncos have completed the sixth interview of their head-coaching search.
General Manager George Paton and the team's search committee met with Patriots inside linebackers coach Jerod Mayo on Wednesday about the team's vacancy.
Mayo, who has three years of NFL coaching experience, joined the Patriots' coaching staff in 2019 and has played a role in shaping one of the league's best defenses. In 2019, the Patriots finished first in the league in total defense and scoring defense. New England then ranked fourth in yards allowed and second in points allowed in 2021.
One of two position coaches the Broncos have interviewed, Mayo is only a few years removed from his own impressive playing career. Mayo was a first-round pick in 2008 and earned Defensive Rookie of the Year honors to begin his career. He was later named a two-time Pro Bowler and one-time first-team All-Pro during his career, and he won a Super Bowl following the 2014 season. During his career, Mayo showed the leadership skills that make him one of the candidates to watch; Mayo was a seven-time team captain with the Patriots.
"His leadership is probably the main reason that he's on the radar," ESPN's Mike Reiss told DenverBroncos.com. "You talk to people that have been around him, both in his playing career and also in his coaching career and even in his business career, and they will tell you he is one of the greatest leaders that they have ever been around. Obviously leadership entails a lot of different things. I think one of the things that Jerod is known for is his ability to relate to people. And so put that all together: playing career, business career — after he played, because he didn't go right into coaching — now coaching career, intelligent — super intelligent — all those things sort of lead to the package that has him being talked about."
The Broncos will reportedly interview four more candidates for their head coaching position. Denver previously interviewed Lions DC Aaron Glenn, Packers quarterbacks/passing game coordinator Luke Getsy, Packers OC Nathaniel Hackett, Cowboys OC Kellen Moore and Cowboys DC Dan Quinn.
