The New England Patriots losing members of their coaching staff to promotion on other teams has almost become a regular part of the NFL offseason cycle. And while this offseason has been more about addition than subtraction with Bill O’Brien joining the staff as offensive coordinator, they could soon be without a rising young star on the defensive side of the staff.
According to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport, Patriots defensive line coach DeMarcus Covington has been requested for an interview for defensive coordinator of the Arizona Cardinals under new coach Jonathan Gannon, the now former DC of the Philadelphia Eagles. Just 33 years old, Covington’s profile has been on the rise of late with the Patriots. Pats head coach Bill Belichick has spoken quite favorably of him, and Covington was named defensive coordinator at the Senior Bowl recently, an excellent opportunity to elevate his profile and gain valuable experience working with players coming out in the draft, as well as with other coaches across the league. Covington figures to factor prominently in the Patriots’ 2023 defensive coaching plans, but those could be altered now should he be offered the promotion out west.
At one point it looked as if the Patriots would lose a significant piece from the defensive coaching ranks this offseason as linebackers coach and defensive assistant Jerod Mayo was requested for interviews as DC in Cleveland and head coach in Carolina. However, the Patriots made a point of preventing Mayo’s departure, offering him a new contract and ultimately issuing a press release to declare what a priority it was to retain his services. It’s doubtful the same show will be set forth for Covington, though it’s safe to say retaining him would be a priority for New England if at all possible.
Covington has been with the Patriots coaching staff since 2017 and served as the team’s defensive line coach since 2020.
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