Jerod Mayo passed on interviews with other teams to return to the New England Patriots for the fifth year as an assistant coach.

Mayo's decision has led some to wonder whether Mayo is thought of as a potential successor to Bill Belichick.

While there is no sign Belichick's departure is imminent, Patriots owner Robert Kraft didn't dismiss the possibility that Mayo could be the team's next head coach.

In an interview from the league meetings this week, Kraft called Mayo a "strong candidate" for that role while noting that the team has "other good people" on hand as well.

Mayo's title has been inside linebackers coach, but he has been seen as a de facto co-defensive coordinator with Steve Belichick in recent seasons.