10 potenital defensive coordinators for Chicago Bears

9. Jerod Mayo

Mayo is just 34 years old and was an NFL player as recently as 2015. He also has been in the New England Patriots organization since 2008, when he was drafted. For the past two years, Mayo has been their inside linebackers coach.

Pros: A Super Bowl champion and All-Pro inside linebacker, who has been in an organization known for winning never hurts. Mayo has had rave reviews in New England for his brains, and while the Patriots coaching tree has not been good, like Mike Vrabel, this is a player who called the Belichick defense in the NFL.

Mayo working hands on with Roquan Smith would go a long way, and he would fix a linebacker issue that was low-key holding the defense back. He has had coordinator interest elsewhere and is going to get a job soon. The Bears need innovative and young ideas in the building, and Mayo has the culture as well to fit.

Cons: This is a first-year play-caller from the sidelines. He is unfamiliar with the organization and how things go. They may not hit the ground running. Mayo would likely want to go somewhere where he knows they have the patience for his growth.