Report: Panthers, Jerod Mayo still have ‘mutual interest’ despite extension talks with Patriots

In a matter of about 10 hours, the Carolina Panthers were in, seemingly out and possibly in again on Jerod Mayo.

The strange saga began early on Thursday afternoon, when the Panthers extended a request to speak with Mayo about their head-coaching vacancy. But, not even six hours later, the New England Patriots tried some extending of their own—publishing an unusual press release stating that they were in discussions with their linebackers coach about a new deal.

And now, as the day came to a close, MMQB senior editor Albert Breer reported that the Panthers are still trying to get Mayo in for an interview early next week. In fact, there’s mutual interest between the two sides.

One thing to add on the Patriots’ announcement tonight: the Panthers have been working on getting Jerod Mayo in to interview for their HC job early next week. That interview hasn’t been called off yet.

There’s still mutual interest in making that happen.

— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) January 13, 2023

Despite New England’s peculiar insistence on retaining Mayo, it seems as though nothing has been finalized to this point. So, as of this moment, the Panthers still have 10 men involved in their search—with the former inside linebacker among them.