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Jerod Mayo is returning to the Patriots in a coaching capacity, the former Pro Bowl linebacker announced via Instagram Wednesday.
Though Mayo didn’t specify what his job title will be, NBC Sports Boston reported he will be the squad’s linebackers coach. Mayo has been a regular on the network since his retirement following the 2015 season.
“It is with great excitement, passion, and sense of purpose to share with you that I have accepted Coach Belichick’s offer to rejoin the New England Patriots as a Coach,’’ Mayo wrote in a post addressed to “friends, family and Patriots Nation.’’
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Mayo was a two-time Pro Bowl selection and a first-team All-Pro in 2010 when he led the NFL with 114 solo tackles and also recovered three fumbles.
“There have been very few players in my career that I’ve had the opportunity to coach that have had more of an impact on a team than Jerod has, from Day One, which is unusual, and that was the first day he walked into the facility for his predraft visit to after we drafted him, he’s been a pleasure to coach, a great addition to our team, both on and off the field,’’ Bill Belichick said at the NFL owners meetings in 2016 following Mayo’s decision to retire. “I’m sure I learned a lot more from him than he did from me.’’
Mayo was bit by the injury bug frequently during the later stages of his eight-year career, and he finished his final three seasons on injured reserve.
Mayo has no previous coaching experience, so being elevated right to a position coach is a testament to just how highly he is thought of by Belichick and the organization. Mayo was voted a team captain in just his second season in Foxborough.
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Teammates would sometimes refer to Mayo as “Bill Jr.” during his playing days and as recently as last season special teams captain Matthew Slater, who was drafted in 2008 with Mayo, lauded the linebacker’s leadership qualities.
Several of Mayo’s former teammates, including Aqib Talib and Rob Ninkovich, commented on his Instagram post.
“Dope!!!,’’ wrote Talib. “Let me coach yo DBs in a couple years when you head coach.’’
Added Ninkovich, “You be DB and I’ll be DL.’’
“I am eager to get started and work alongside so many of my former coaches and teammates, all of who I know to be solely focused on maintaining the winning culture we have come to know as the Patriot Way,’’ Mayo wrote. “I want to thank my loved ones, Bill Belichick, and most importantly my wife Chantel and our four children for their constant support as we enter this new chapter of our lives.’’
Mayo added #imback and #unfinishedbusiness at the end of his post.
Mayo will be taking over the spot previously occupied by Brian Flores, who left for the Dolphins’ top job, and will work under new defensive coordinator Greg Schiano.
More Patriots coverage:
■ Pass interference is now reviewable, and other NFL rule changes you need to know about
■ NFL coaches aren’t sad to see Rob Gronkowski retire
■ Bill Belichick didn’t have a lot to say at NFL coaches breakfast
Jim McBride can be reached at james.mcbride@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter @globejimmcbride.
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