6 rings: Exploring Jerod Mayo's leadership, the questionable GM decision, and more in the Patriots' transition
The Patriots' search for a defensive coordinator will continue on Friday.
According to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, New England will interview Broncos defensive backs coach Christian Parker for the job on Friday.
Parker, who Pelissero dubbed a "fast riser", is just 32 years old and would be one of the NFL's youngest coordinators should he land the job. He's been Denver's defensive backs coach since 2021, and before that was with the Packers from 2019-2020 as a defensive quality control coach.
Parker also coached at Virginia State (defensive backs coach), Norfolk State (defensive backs coach), Notre Dame (defensive analyst), and Texas A&M (defensive analyst) before making the jump to the NFL.
Additionally, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the Patriots will interview Saints LBs coach Michael Hodges.
Hodges, 37, has been with the Saints since 2017 as a defensive assistant, assistant linebackers coach, and most recently linebackers coach -- a position he's held since 2020. As Rapoport pointed out, New Orleans has bolstered a top-10 scoring defense in each of the last four seasons.
Prior to joining the Saints' staff, Hodges coaches at Texas A&M (strength and conditioning assistant), Fresno State (graduate assistant), and Eastern Illinois (Linebackers coach, co-defensive coordinator & safeties coach).
Parker and Hodges add to a growing list of candidates that will be interviewed to fill out Jerod Mayo's new Patriots staff. Panthers LBs coach Tem Lukabu will reportedly interview for the DC position, and they have reportedly requested an interview Falcons' ST coordinator Marquice Williams for their own position.
With Thursday evening's report that Bill O'Brien will leave Foxborough to become Ohio State's offensive coordinator, New England will officially have three new coordinators in 2024.
Make sure to follow Mike on Twitter @mikekadlick, and follow @WEEI for the latest up-to-date Patriots and Boston sports news!
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