Patriots LB coach Jerod Mayo informs Panthers he will not interview for HC job

The Carolina Panthers have lost another candidate.

One day after their interview with San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans was called off, the Panthers have been informed that Jerod Mayo will no longer pursue their head coaching vacancy. Phil A. Perry of NBC Sports Boston was first with the news.

On Thursday, ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter reported that the Panthers requested an interview with the New England Patriots inside linebackers coach. Just hours later, the Patriots announced they were in talks regarding a long-term extension for Mayo.

Interest, however, persisted between the two sides—as noted by MMQB senior editor Albert Breer later that same night. But, with Bill Belichick and the Patriots obviously looking to retain Mayo and perhaps place him in line for a promotion, the Panthers might’ve just been used as leverage by the 36-year-old coach.

Carolina, with the exclusions of Mayo and Ryans, now have eight known active candidates for their job.