Patriots Rumors: Jerod Mayo Made This ‘Decisive’ Call On Steve Belichick

Steve Belichick was expected to stay in New England when Jerod Mayo succeeded Bill Belichick as Patriots head coach, but he instead moved to the college ranks.

Brian Belichick stayed in New England as safeties coach, and Steve Belichick admitted it “felt right” to leave Foxboro, Mass., to become the defensive coordinator for the Washington Huskies. He reportedly was offered an opportunity to stay on due to his good relationship with Mayo. However, a new report added more details to the situation.

According to The Athletic’s Chad Graff, Mayo did not offer Steve Belichick a chance to become his defensive coordinator despite the former linebackers coach handling play-calling duties during his father’s final years with the Patriots. Graff described the decision as “surprisingly decisive.” Mayo offered Steve Belichick a “lesser role,” which reportedly could have been as an assistant head coach/senior adviser. However, the 37-year-old declined.

Mayo chose to elevate DeMarcus Covington instead of promoting Steve Belichick. The first-time defensive play-caller struggled in his first season. New England’s defense regressed to 30th in EPA per play and ranked bottom-10 in nearly every defensive category.

In fairness to Covington, it’s unknown how much better Steve Belichick would have fared. However, his play-calling experience could have made a difference for a new staff.