Since Jerod Mayo took over as the New England Patriots head coach this offseason, he's done his best to fill his staff with some former players who can relate to his roster and know what it's like to lay it on the line each week.
Mayo has hired Dont'a Hightower (inside linebackers coach), Tiquan Underwood (assistant wide receivers coach) and Matthew Slater (player development), but he hasn't been able to convince everyone to join him.
Former Patriots defensive back Devin McCourty apparently declined an offer to join the staff in Mayo's first season.
“He tried to get me to coach,” McCourty told Kay Adams on “Up & Adams”. “That’s his thing with all the older guys. He said, ‘I don’t know if they’ll walk in back playing, but we got a spot for them on the staff.’ But nah, those hours aren’t meant for my life right now.”
McCourty was always a leader during his time as a player in New England, so it's natural to expect him to be interested in coaching, but with his career earnings surpassing $92 million, according to Over the Cap, he doesn't need that added stress and pressure. He can continue his media work, collect those checks and still enjoy his free time with his family.
It would've been nice to add another former Pro Bowler to the staff, but there's already a lot of playing experience in the building. And, if Mayo called McCourty to ask for help here and there, maybe during training camp, do you really think he'd turn it down?
