Dec 12, 2022; Glendale, Arizona, USA; New England Patriots defensive line coach DeMarcus Covington against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
The New England Patriots and new head coach Jerod Mayo had a busy week, interviewing external candidates for both their defensive coordinator and special teams coordinator jobs.
On Friday, the week wrapped up a scheduled interview of an internal candidate. As first reported by CBS NFL insider Jonathan Jones, the Patriots plan to interview current defensive line coach DeMarcus Covington for their defensive coordinator position.
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Covington, 34, has been with the Patriots since 2017 and was promoted to his current role in 2020. During that time the Patriots’ defensive line has been one of the best and most consistent positional groups on the roster.
As Mayo looks to rebuild his staff, Covington is the most logical candidate to take over as defensive coordinator (assuming last year’s play-caller Steve Belichick follows his dad to his new job). The Patriots’ defense as a whole has been one of the best in the league the last three years, during which it was co-coordinated by Mayo and Belichick. If neither are available, Covington provides the best option for the Patriots to keep continuity on that side of the ball.
This isn’t the first time a team has looked to Covington as a potential defensive coordinator either. Last year multiple teams interviewed him for defensive coordinator jobs.
