The New England Patriots don't have a defensive coordinator this season, but rookie assistant coach Jerod Mayo has gotten a chance to call some plays. Jeff Howe of TheAthletic.com, reports that Mayo got an opportunity to call the shots earlier this week during minicamp.

The expectation is that Bill Belichick will still call the plays this upcoming season, but this could be an audition going forward to see Mayo could eventually grow into that role.

“The same stuff [Mayo] carried when he was a player, he’s definitely still got it,” linebacker Dont’a Hightower said via Pro Football Talk. “He’s a hell of a coach. Honestly, I wouldn’t expect anything less. He’s got so much knowledge and so much wisdom that he brings — not just as a football player. He’s definitely done it. He’s seen it. He’s played it. The reputation that he has, he’s an all-pro, so it’s great to have a linebacker coach who has been through so much and can relate to a lot.”

The Patriots had hired Greg Schiano to be the defensive coordinator after Brian Flores left to be the head coach of the Miami Dolphins, but he resigned in March for personal reasons.

Last season, Flores didn't have the title of defensive coordinator, but still called the plays, and if Belichick is impressed enough, maybe that is something May could do this year or next year. Belichick is one to give his assistants more responsibilities than other coaches might, and perhaps that is the case with Mayo.