New England Patriots defensive coordinator DeMarcus Covington has been granted permission to interview with the Cincinnati Bengals for their open defensive coordinator position following the recent firing of head coach Jerod Mayo. Covington's defensive unit struggled significantly this past season, finishing among the worst in DVOA and points allowed, in contrast to their previous top-10 finish. This presents an opportunity for him to potentially embark on a new path within the league.
After an impressive first game where Covington's defense held Joe Burrow and the Bengals offense to just 10 points, the Patriots defense faltered throughout the season, becoming notable for its inconsistency and struggles. With a lack of turnovers and issues in the run game, Covington's rise as a coach was impeded despite his experience working with defensive players at various levels before becoming defensive coordinator.
The Bengals are looking to revamp their defensive strategy after parting ways with Lou Anarumo due to the team’s underwhelming performance this past season. Anarumo had a history of leading a strong defense, but the recent performance dictated a change, making this an important time for the Bengals to seek an upgrade in their coaching staff.
Covington’s previous work as a linebackers and defensive line coach in New England has generated interest from multiple NFL teams, which indicates that his coaching acumen is recognized across the league despite the Patriots' overall defensive struggles in 2024. At 35 years old, Covington is seen as a rising talent in coaching, making this interview critical for both his career advancement and the Bengals' future defensive plans.
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