Patriots Assistant Viewed As Head Coaching Candidate For 2025 Cycle

DeMarcus Covington was held in high regards before being named the New England Patriots defensive coordinator, and executives around the league maintain that perspective.

NFL Media’s Tom Pelissero labeled Covington, among others, as a head coaching candidate for the 2025 coaching cycle. Pelissero’s list is based on conversations with NFL executives, coaches and others who take part in the search process.

“A college receiver at Samford, Covington got his big break in coaching when the Patriots hired him as an assistant in 2017,” Pelissero wrote. “He has climbed the ladder in New England since, becoming Jerod Mayo’s top pick for DC when the first-time head coach replaced Bill Belichick this past January.

“Covington runs the show on defense, allowing Mayo to focus more attention elsewhere. And the defense has gotten better as the season has gone on, with young players developing under the first-year coordinator. Covington has the traits — bright, good communicator, knows ball, liked and respected by coaches and players — to lead his own team eventually.”

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That’s not to say Covington will be hired away from Mayo’s staff this offseason, of course. Pelissero’s list included nearly two dozen coaches vying for their first head coaching role and didn’t include others with head coaching experience — Bill Belichick, Mike Vrabel, etc. — who could return to the sideline. There won’t be jobs for everyone.

Covington likely will have to build his resume, especially since the Patriots defense is taking steps back in it’s first season without Belichick. It’s a product of injuries, poor execution and coaching. New England ranks in the bottom half of the league in both points and yards allowed.

Should Covington, who’s confirmed his coaching aspirations, not land a head job this offseason his position reportedly is safe at One Patriot Place.