The Raiders are continuing their search for a new defensive coordinator, and they’re casting a wide but focused net. One of the latest names to emerge is DeMarcus Covington, who recently sat down with the team for an interview. Covington, currently the Packers’ defensive line coach and run game coordinator, is no stranger to the interview circuit this offseason-he also spoke with the Cowboys before they ultimately went with Christian Parker.
As it stands, the Raiders have formally interviewed two candidates: Rams defensive pass game coordinator and assistant head coach Aubrey Pleasant, and now Covington. Both bring different strengths to the table, but Covington’s resume in particular shows a steady climb through the coaching ranks and a strong foundation in defensive fundamentals.
At just 35, Covington already has over a decade of coaching experience under his belt. He kicked off his career in 2012 as a graduate assistant at UAB, and from there, he built his résumé with stops at Ole Miss, UT Martin, and Eastern Illinois. That college grind laid the groundwork for his jump to the NFL, where he joined the Patriots in 2017 as an assistant.
Covington’s time in New England saw him steadily rise through the defensive coaching staff. He first took over the outside linebackers group, then moved to the defensive line in 2020. By 2024, he was promoted to defensive coordinator under new head coach Jerod Mayo-an indication of the trust and value placed in his football mind by one of the league’s most respected organizations.
His most recent move came last year, when the Packers brought him in to coach the defensive line and coordinate the run game. That role gave him a chance to work with a young, talented front and help shape a defense that’s been trying to find consistency in the trenches.
For the Raiders, Covington’s blend of scheme versatility, player development chops, and experience in both 3-4 and 4-3 systems makes him an intriguing option. He’s worked under some of the NFL’s sharpest defensive minds and has shown he can adapt to different personnel and philosophies.
Las Vegas is clearly taking a methodical approach to this hire, and with two strong candidates already interviewed, the decision could come down to fit-both culturally and schematically. Whether they go with Covington, Pleasant, or someone else entirely, the Raiders know they need a defensive leader who can bring stability and identity to a unit that’s still trying to find its footing.
We’ll keep tracking developments as the search continues.