Devin McCourty reveals why DeMarcus Covington will make a great defensive coordinator for Patriots
When Bill Belichick would talk, DeMarcus Covington would listen very intently. At least, that's what Devin McCourty remembers about his time in meetings with the two. Appearing on the Eye on Foxborough podcast, McCourty was asked about why Covington is a solid candidate to be the next defensive coordinator in New England and he didn't […]
When Bill Belichick would talk, DeMarcus Covington would listen very intently.
At least, that's what Devin McCourty remembers about his time in meetings with the two.
Appearing on the Eye on Foxborough podcast, McCourty was asked about why Covington is a solid candidate to be the next defensive coordinator in New England and he didn't hold back.
"I sat behind (DeMarcus Covington) in all our squad meetings and every time he would come sit down, Coach Belichick would start talking, and he would pull out his eye pad and turn the light all the way down, and he would be in there typing away," McCourty said. "Everything that Bill was saying… you could tell he was building his coaching catalog."
While the Patriots have yet to make the official announcement, multiple sources reported that the Patriots plan to promote Covington.
"I knew right there there watching and was like he's preparing to be a head coach some day," McCourty explained. "I could always see that he was dialed in and locked in."
Covington joined the Patriots staff in 2017 and has been working with Jerod Mayo since he returned in 2019. He started as a coaching assistant, before being named an outside linebackers coach in 2019. In 2020 he took over as defensive line coach and has been there for the past few seasons.
His ability to move through the ranks so quickly earned him some recognition, being named one of a few NFL coaches to watch in future years by NFL Network. He also served as a Senior Bowl defensive coordinator last season.
Despite the team's struggles this season, the defensive line was a shining spot. And that was thanks to Covington, who helped players this Christian Barmore, Anfernee Jennings, Davon Godchaux, Lawrence Guy and Deatrich Wise flourish.
"(Covington) is kind of the perfect fit of the guy who can be the figurehead of the guy in the front of the room to bring it all together, but still rely on different people," McCourty said. "I think (Covington) can be that guy leading. I think he will be that guy leading to run a defense that has been very successful over the last few years."
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