Part 4/8:
The conversation took a turn towards the potential moves Mayo could make next, with queries about the stigma associated with being a former head coach who transitions back to an assistant role. Many coaching careers hinge on who one knows and their reputation within the league. In some cases, landing a role on a respected staff can open doors, but for some ex-head coaches, demoting to an assistant role may feel like a step backward.
Contrasting this situation with the broader coaching landscape reflects a trend where head coaches often secure lucrative deals or find their way back into positions much faster than Mayo experienced. The nature of the NFL's coaching dynamics can be unforgiving, and Mayo’s situation illustrates how steep that cliff can be.