Patriots linebackers coach Jerod Mayo was named a head-coaching candidate for the upcoming offseason cycle in NFL Media’s annual watch list.

Mayo signed a new contract with the Patriots this offseason after turning down an interview for the Panthers’ head coaching job. Mayo could even take over as head coach of the Patriots if Bill Belichick moves on from the team this offseason. NFL Media’s Tom Pelissero writes “Mayo feels he’s ready to be a head coach anywhere,” however.

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Two Patriots assistants — defensive line coach DeMarcus Covington, 34, and wide receivers coach Ross Douglas, 28 — made the list as NFL coaches to watch in future years.

Covington interviewed for defensive coordinator jobs this offseason. Douglas is in just his third season as an NFL coach.

Among other NFL coaches with Patriots ties, former assistants Bubba Ventrone and Shane Waldron and QB Mike Kafka made the list as candidates for the upcoming cycle. Ex-assistants Nick Caley and Bo Hardegree and former players Greg Lewis and Zac Robinson were listed as coaches to watch in future years.