The Green Bay Packers have spent the last several seasons building one of the NFL’s youngest and most promising coaching staffs, and while much of the attention naturally falls on head coach Jonathan Gannon and quarterback Jordan Love, another name inside the organization is beginning to attract serious league-wide interest.
That coach is DeMarcus Covington.
According to The Athletic senior NFL writer Jordan Rodrigue, Covington is one of the assistant coaches across the league whose profile could rise dramatically during the 2026 season. In her annual look at one coach from every NFL team who could become a major name in future hiring cycles, Rodrigue selected the Packers’ assistant head coach, outside linebackers coach, and run game coordinator as Green Bay’s most intriguing rising figure.
The recognition is far from accidental.
After steadily climbing the coaching ladder for more than a decade, Covington appears to be positioning himself for another opportunity to become an NFL defensive coordinator—or perhaps even more—if Green Bay’s defense performs at a high level this season.
NFL Is Beginning to Notice DeMarcus Covington
Rodrigue believes Covington has quietly established himself as one of football’s most respected young defensive coaches.
She noted that he has already drawn interest for defensive coordinator vacancies in previous hiring cycles, and another successful season in Green Bay could dramatically increase that attention.
Her expectation is that evaluators around the league will closely monitor how the Packers’ defense develops throughout 2026.
If Green Bay’s pass rush remains among the NFL’s most disruptive units and the defense continues progressing under Jonathan Gannon, many executives may view Covington as one of the next assistants ready to call plays at the NFL level.
That possibility places him among the fastest-rising coaches in the league.
A Valuable Member of Green Bay’s Coaching Staff
Covington’s importance within the Packers organization became even clearer during the coaching transition.
After working under the previous defensive staff, he remained with Green Bay when Jonathan Gannon arrived.
More importantly, he didn’t simply keep his job.
His responsibilities actually expanded.
The Packers promoted Covington to assistant head coach, while also assigning him responsibility for coaching the outside linebackers in addition to maintaining his duties as run game coordinator.
That kind of promotion often speaks volumes about how highly an organization values a coach.
Rather than allowing him to potentially leave elsewhere, Green Bay appeared committed to keeping him as part of its long-term coaching plans.
Whether that decision originated with the front office, Gannon, or both, the message was unmistakable.
The Packers view Covington as an important piece of the organization’s future.
Jonathan Gannon Clearly Values His Experience
Transitions between coaching staffs frequently result in significant changes.
New head coaches often prefer bringing in assistants they already know.
Covington’s situation was different.
Instead of replacing him, Gannon chose to expand his role.
That decision reflects considerable trust.
Outside linebackers represent one of the most important positions in modern NFL defenses, particularly for teams that rely heavily on generating pressure through edge rushers.
Giving Covington responsibility for developing that group demonstrates confidence in both his teaching ability and his understanding of defensive football.
If Green Bay’s pass rush becomes one of the league’s strengths this season, much of the credit could naturally flow toward Covington.
An Unusual Coaching Journey
Interestingly, Covington’s football background began on the opposite side of the ball.
During his college career at Samford University, he played wide receiver rather than defense.
After graduating, however, his coaching path quickly shifted.
He accepted a graduate assistant position at UAB, where he first began learning defensive concepts.
That opportunity proved transformational.
Rather than returning to offense, Covington continued building his career on the defensive side of football.
Rapid Rise Through the College Ranks
Covington’s coaching progression accelerated quickly.
From 2013 through 2014, he worked as a defensive graduate assistant at Ole Miss, gaining valuable experience inside a major college football program.
In 2015, he accepted his first full-time position as defensive line coach at UT Martin.
His success there immediately opened another door.
Just one season later, Covington became co-defensive coordinator at Eastern Illinois, while continuing to coach the defensive line.
For a young assistant, reaching coordinator responsibilities that early represented significant recognition.
It also demonstrated that other coaches already viewed him as someone capable of managing larger defensive responsibilities.
Bill Belichick Helped Shape His NFL Career
Covington’s rapid development eventually attracted attention from one of football’s greatest coaching minds.
In 2017, the New England Patriots hired him as a coaching assistant under legendary head coach Bill Belichick.
Working inside one of the NFL’s most respected organizations provided invaluable experience.
During his first two seasons in New England, Covington learned the details of Belichick’s defensive philosophy while continuing to establish himself as one of the league’s promising young assistants.
His work did not go unnoticed.
Steady Promotions in New England
The Patriots consistently rewarded Covington’s development.
In 2019, he earned a promotion to outside linebackers coach.
One year later, he became defensive line coach, a role he held through the 2023 season.
Throughout that period, New England continued producing disciplined defensive fronts despite frequent roster changes.
Covington became increasingly respected for his ability to develop players while maintaining consistent production.
That reputation eventually created another major opportunity.
First Chance as Defensive Coordinator
Following Bill Belichick’s departure, Jerod Mayo became New England’s head coach.
One of Mayo’s first significant decisions involved promoting Covington to defensive coordinator.
Although the Patriots ultimately struggled during that season, many around the league recognized that the challenges extended well beyond defensive coaching.
After just one year, Mayo was dismissed, and incoming head coach Mike Vrabel assembled an entirely new staff.
Like many assistants during coaching changes, Covington suddenly found himself searching for another opportunity.
Packers Offered the Perfect Landing Spot
Green Bay quickly recognized his value.
The Packers hired Covington before the 2025 season as defensive line coach and run game coordinator, bringing valuable NFL experience to their coaching staff.
Rather than viewing his Patriots departure negatively, Green Bay saw a coach with coordinator experience, years under Bill Belichick, and an outstanding reputation for player development.
When Jonathan Gannon later arrived, Covington’s importance only increased.
Instead of losing responsibilities, he gained additional influence.
That progression strongly suggests the Packers believe his career remains on an upward trajectory.
Why 2026 Could Be His Breakthrough Season
Several factors make this season especially important.
Green Bay enters the year expecting significant improvement defensively.
The organization has invested heavily in talent across the front seven, and expectations surrounding the pass rush remain high.
If Covington successfully develops the outside linebackers while helping coordinate an improved run defense, his résumé will become even stronger.
League executives searching for future defensive coordinators often prioritize coaches who consistently maximize talent while demonstrating leadership inside successful organizations.
Covington appears positioned to check both boxes.
Future Defensive Coordinator?
Many around the NFL already believe another coordinator opportunity could arrive sooner rather than later.
His coaching résumé now includes:
- College defensive coordinator experience.
- NFL defensive coordinator experience.
- Work under Bill Belichick.
- Multiple position groups coached.
- Assistant head coach responsibilities.
- Run game coordinator duties.
Few young assistants possess that combination of experience.
If Green Bay’s defense performs as expected, interviews during the next hiring cycle seem increasingly likely.
Packers Continue Building Strong Coaching Depth
One reason Green Bay has remained consistently competitive is its ability to develop not only players but coaches.
The organization has frequently identified talented assistants before the rest of the league fully recognizes their potential.
Covington may become the latest example.
Although Jonathan Gannon currently leads the defense, maintaining high-level assistants underneath him strengthens the entire coaching structure.
Should Covington eventually receive another coordinator opportunity elsewhere, it would also reinforce Green Bay’s growing reputation as an organization capable of developing coaching talent.
Final Thoughts
DeMarcus Covington’s coaching journey has been anything but ordinary.
From college wide receiver to defensive graduate assistant, from Bill Belichick’s coaching staff to NFL defensive coordinator, and now to assistant head coach with the Green Bay Packers, every step has prepared him for another significant opportunity.
Jordan Rodrigue’s recognition reflects what many around the league already believe: Covington is becoming one of the NFL’s fastest-rising defensive minds.
If the Packers’ defense delivers a strong 2026 campaign—particularly through consistent pass-rush production and disciplined front-seven play—his name is likely to become one of the hottest in future coaching searches.
For now, Green Bay benefits from having one of football’s brightest young assistants on its sideline.
The challenge for the rest of the NFL may simply be figuring out how much longer he’ll remain there.
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