The Dallas Cowboys are casting a wide net in their search for a new defensive coordinator, and the latest name on their radar is Demarcus Covington. According to reports, the Cowboys have officially submitted a request to interview Covington, currently serving as the Packers’ defensive line coach and run game coordinator.
Covington, 35, is no stranger to the grind. He’s climbed the coaching ranks with a steady, deliberate progression that began in the college game.
After starting as a defensive graduate assistant at UAB in 2012, he moved through stints at Ole Miss, UT Martin, and Eastern Illinois before breaking into the NFL. His first pro gig came with the Patriots in 2017, where he joined as a coaching assistant and quickly began making his mark.
Over the next few years, he worked his way up to outside linebackers coach and then defensive line coach, a role he held starting in 2020.
In 2024, when Jerod Mayo took over as head coach in New England, Covington was promoted to defensive coordinator-a clear sign of the trust and value the Patriots saw in his defensive mind. Just last season, the Packers brought him on board to oversee their defensive line and coordinate the run defense, adding another layer to his already impressive résumé.
Covington joins a growing list of candidates under consideration in Dallas. Here’s a snapshot of where things stand:
- Daronte Jones, Vikings defensive pass game coordinator, has already interviewed.
- Jim Leonhard, Broncos assistant head coach/pass game coordinator, has been requested.
- Ephraim Banda, Browns safeties coach, is also on the request list.
- Aaron Whitecotton, Cowboys’ own defensive line coach, is scheduled to interview.
- Zach Orr, Ravens defensive coordinator, has been requested.
- Jonathan Gannon, former Cardinals head coach, is scheduled to meet with the team.
- Christian Parker, Eagles defensive backs coach, has been requested.
- Charlie Bullen, Giants interim defensive coordinator, is in the mix.
- Jeff Ulbrich, Falcons defensive coordinator, was blocked from interviewing.
The Cowboys are clearly keeping their options open, exploring candidates with a mix of NFL and collegiate experience, and a variety of defensive specialties-from pass game coordinators to position coaches and former head coaches.
Covington’s inclusion is particularly intriguing. He’s a young coach with a reputation for connecting with players and getting the most out of his units, especially up front.
His recent work with the Patriots and Packers has earned him recognition as one of the brighter minds in defensive football. If Dallas is looking for a fresh voice with a modern approach to defensive schemes-particularly in the trenches-Covington could be a strong fit.
As the Cowboys continue their search, expect more interviews and evaluations in the coming days. It’s a pivotal hire for a team with championship aspirations and a defense that’s been a cornerstone of its identity in recent seasons. Whoever lands the job will have big shoes to fill-and big expectations to meet.