As the Las Vegas Raiders look to strengthen their coaching staff under new head coach Klint Kubiak, much attention has turned to the critical position of defensive coordinator. Kubiak is actively conducting interviews to fill this role, and one candidate standing out is DeMarcus Covington. Sources from NFL Media indicate that Kubiak has engaged in discussions with Covington, a promising figure in NFL coaching circles. This follows the recent interviews of other notable candidates, including the Raiders’ own defensive line coach Rob Leonard, Rams’ assistant Aubrey Pleasant, and Seattle’s safety coach Jeff Howard.
Understanding DeMarcus Covington
Current Position:
Prior to his interview with the Raiders, Covington held the role of defensive line coach and run-game coordinator with the Green Bay Packers in 2025. His experience in these crucial roles makes him a compelling candidate for a team looking to revitalize its defense.
Age:
At 36 years old, Covington represents a blend of youthful energy and significant coaching experience that teams often seek in their staff.
Coaching Journey
Experience:
Covington boasts nine years of coaching experience in the NFL, a journey that began with the prestigious New England Patriots. He spent seven seasons under the legendary Bill Belichick, where he honed his skills, particularly in defensive strategies. During his tenure, Covington served as the defensive line coach for four seasons and eventually held the title of defensive coordinator for Jerod Mayo in 2024. Unfortunately, that season ended with a firing of the entire staff, but Covington’s time under Belichick undoubtedly provided him with invaluable insight into winning defensive designs.
Why the Raiders are Interested
Covington stands out among the Raiders’ four known candidates for defensive coordinator not just because of his experience under a coaching icon like Belichick, but also because he is the only one with direct experience in the defensive coordinator role. This background is crucial for a Raiders team that is in the process of reworking its identity on defense. Kubiak’s keen interest in Covington suggests that the Raiders are looking for a candidate who can not only implement a strong defensive strategy but also potentially reshape the defensive culture.
The Next Steps
As Kubiak continues to interview potential candidates, the focus on Covington will attract attention from fans and analysts alike. The Raiders are at a pivotal moment, and the decision on who to appoint as defensive coordinator could significantly impact the team’s performance in the upcoming season. With a promising candidate like Covington on the radar, the Raiders are clearly making strides toward building a robust coaching framework that can translate into on-field success.