Patriots DeMarcus Covington Reveals Defense Plan: Who Will Call Signals?

New England Patriots defensive coordinator DeMarcus Covington is ready to embark on a new journey as the first coach to hold the title since Matt Patricia in 2017.

FOXBORO — New England Patriots defensive coordinator DeMarcus Covington has not only earned a new title for the upcoming season, he is also about to embrace some new responsibilities on the sidelines.     

The first-time coordinator revealed Wednesday that he will be the team’s primary defensive play-caller — an assignment he has yet to undertake during his pro coaching tenure. 

“I do plan on calling plays,” Covington said while addressing reporters from the Gillette Stadium dais. “This is something where I’ve been preparing. This is something I wanted to do. So, you already take the necessary steps to prepare yourself for when you get the opportunity to be ready.”

New England Patriots/Eric J. Adler

Covington, who has served as New England’s defensive line coach since 2020, will take over the duties previously held by new head coach [and former inside linebackers coach] Jerod Mayo, and former outside linebackers coach Steve Belichick, who was recently hired as defensive coordinator at the University of Washington. The pair called plays on defense. from 2019 to 2023.

Still, Covington’s preparation and practical training have instilled in him a confidence to perform his tasks at a high level. Unwilling to rest solely on his laurels, the 34-year-old is eager to put his composition into practice.  

“I would say you get those practice reps obviously on the practice field and in the classroom for me,” Covington said. “Gaining those reps, going through different games, going through situations in the meeting room with the other coaches and then also putting myself in those situations on the practice field. That’s what we do, just like the players are out there preparing to play, and they’re going through reps, I should be doing the same thing as a play-caller during those reps. It just doesn’t happen overnight.”

Unsurprisingly, Covington does not expect to enact groundbreaking changes to New England’s defense. The unit finished the 2023 regular season ranked at No. 7 in overall defense in the NFL, allowing a defensive yards-average of 301.6, as well as 21.5 yards-per-game. The Pats run defense ranked fourth overall with 93.2 rushing yards allowed per game.

While Covington’s steady hand at guiding the defensive line was a significant reason for their success in 2023, he is hoping to parlay it into an even better performance this season. Accordingly, he remains committed to work collaboratively with new defensive line coach Jerry Montgomery, as well as inside linebackers coach Dont’a Hightower, outside linebackers coach Drew Wilkins, cornerbacks coach Mike Pellegrino, safeties coach Brian Belichick and director of skill development Joe Kim. The team has also added defensive assistants Jamael Lett and Vinny DePalma to round out Mayo’s defensive staff. 

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In short, Covington is embracing the new era in New England, while carefully and wisely maintaining the dedication to fundamentally sound football. 

“I think when you turn on the tape, I think what we want to see is a physical team,” Covington said. “A team that plays with good discipline and fundamentals. A team that attacks the football and takes it away from the opponent. That’s what we’re trying to look for with our defense. And a team that goes out there and plays together, for one another. That type of togetherness.”

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