Patriots defensive backs coach DeMarcus Covington is expected to be promoted to defensive coordinator, according to reports.
Covington, 34, was considered the top player for the position as soon as coach Jerrod Mayo began his search two weeks ago. Covington joined the team as an assistant coach in 2017 and has spent the past five seasons as coach.
He worked with the outside linebackers in 2019 and the team’s defensive linemen the past four years. Covington is well-respected by New England players and coaches, and New England still has two coaching spots.
“(Covington) understands the whole defense and the whole scheme. He can coach the defensive line, running backs and defensive backs. He looks at the big picture.” Pats captain Dietrich Wise told the Herald in November. “He’s a good coach of players and can control space.
“Covington will be the Patriots’ first defensive coordinator since 2017. His reputation as a young, up-and-coming coach spread around the league last year when he interviewed for defensive coordinator positions with the Chargers and Cardinals. He also served as the defensive coordinator for the 2023 Senior Bowl, an annual showcase for top college prospects.
Former Patriots coach Bill Belichick was among those who recommended Covington for the position he holds, according to senior bowl director Jim Nagy.“He’s got the authority, the authority, the attitude, the energy and everything you need in a leadership role and he’s done a great job. He had those things,” Nagy said.
“I thought he did a really good job. There were no problems during the week. .. When I saw him in training, he did great. And it’s not easy.”Covington was one of five candidates interviewed for the Patriots defensive coordinator job, along with Panthers outside linebackers coach Tem Lucabu, Broncos defensive backs coach Christian Parker, Saints linebackers coach Michael Hodges and new Raiders safeties coach Gerald Alexander, who was on the Steelers.
the staff… . hour. Of those candidates, Covington was the only one with coaching or player experience in New England. Covington worked with Hodges at Eastern Illinois as co-defensive coordinator in recent years before leaving for the NFL in 2016. It’s unclear how the Patriots’ defense will be structured under Mayo and Covington.
Mayo offered to keep former defensive lineman Steve Belichick and safeties coach Brian Belichick on his staff. Maybe he’s trying to lure future coach Hodges to New England to work with Covington again.Mayo has repeatedly said he wants his assistants to develop talent. Covington has a strong record on the ground, along with Wise (29 career sacks) and defensive tackle Christian Barmore.
Covington has also earned the respect of longtime veterans who have a deep understanding of his defensive and coaching abilities, a rare quality. “Most coaches in the league expect you to know the trade by the time you get out of college. But those who do not know must be taught. And he can learn anything,” Davon Godshaus told the Herald.
“Most coaches can talk about it, but I can’t. And this was my first year here. He surprised me and showed how smart he is.””He knows how to adjust to certain guys,” Patriots quarterback Jahlani Tawai said. He treats us like men because he knows we are professionals and adults. And once the decision is made, he will make the right decision about who should be on the pitch.
“Covington rose through the coaching ranks after playing wide receiver at Samford FCS school in his native Alabama. He first played as a defensive assistant at UAB in 2021 before transferring to Ole Miss for two seasons. Covington took his first coaching job in 2015 as the defensive line coach at UT Martin. He then moved to Eastern Illinois for one season before coming to New England.
Belichick publicly praised Covington during his 2022 offseason press conference. “DeMarcus is doing really well,” Belichick said. “He’s coached the quarterbacks, he’s coached the defensive line, he understands defense inside out. I’m sure he’ll coach multiple positions on defense.
A very intelligent and hardworking young man. We worked with a lot of players again on our defensive line as well. The difference between who you are on the inside and who you are on the outside is very clear. “The passing game, pass coverage, interior running game, etc. … There are many different methods of coaching. He knows the fundamentals and circuits very well. He is doing well.
“We are very glad to meet him,” he said.With Covington as coach and Mayo joining the coaching staff in 2019, the Patriots have the highest expected punt average (EPA) in the NFL. The Pats also ranked as one of the best defenses in the league, including first in yards per carry allowed (3.3) last year.Like Belichick, Mayo praised Covington for his work during a difficult 2022 season.
He called Covington a “tremendous asset” to the Patriots for about a year before promoting him to one of his top personnel positions.”He taught me a lot,” Mayo told reporters. “Because he’s progressed, he’s seen everything from drawing cards to running the room. He is one of those guys who tries to win the hearts, minds and souls of his players. “I think all the guys respect him.”
