Former Patriots believe Jerod Mayo could be Bill Belichick's successor

"When he turned those guys down, I understood without even talking to him what went on," Kevin Faulk said, implying New England will appoint Mayo as its next coach. Graff writes that the extension may be an "implicit indication" of future promotion, and those close to Mayo see it as such.

Brandon Spikes, Mayo's teammate for four seasons, dubbed him "Belichick 2.0" when describing the traits that will make him a successful head coach.

"Some people, I don't know what it is, have that it factor. And he's got it," said Spikes. "He makes everyone around him better. He's a perfect human being. If I had a son, I'd want him to be just like Jerod Mayo."

"Even though we were playing next to each other, Jerod was my coach," Spikes continued. "I knew I could go to him and get the details for what we were trying to get done, and he could deliver it to me just as Belichick would."

During the discussion, Spikes revealed that Mayo used to attend the coaching staff's 6 a.m. meetings, something uncustomary for players, illustrating his dedication and work ethic. Spikes compared Mayo to QB Tom Brady in the sense that "they just eat and sleep football."

Mayo spent his eight-year career with the Patriots, totaling 802 combined tackles, 11 sacks, and three interceptions. The 2008 Defensive Rookie of the Year earned two Pro Bowl nods and was named a first-team All-Pro in 2010. Although Mayo couldn't play due to a torn patellar tendon, he has a ring from New England's Super Bowl XLIX win.

According to Graff, Belichick spent years trying to hire Mayo following his 2016 retirement. If Belichick didn't believe Mayo wouldn't become an exceptional head coach one day, he wouldn't have pursued him so persistently. 

When the time comes, owner Robert Kraft won't have to search far for his next coach if he wishes to continue "The Patriot Way." 

“They know what they have,” two-time Super Bowl champion linebacker Rob Ninkovich said. “So why let that leave if you can keep that within the organization?”

Still, Belichick is a long way from retiring. He's 19 wins shy of passing Don Shula for the most wins in NFL history, including playoffs, which could take him a few more seasons to accomplish.