The Patriots may soon be losing a key coach once the offseason rolls around, as defensive coordinator DeMarcus Covington was just named as a key candidate to watch as we approach the end of the season.

New England’s defense has been mediocre by most measures, ranking just 21st in opponent yards per play (5.6), yet Covington is still regarded as an excellent leader worthy of interviews to become a head coach.

According to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, Patriots fans need to start preparing now for his theoretical departure.

Patriots DC DeMarcus Covington Named Head Coaching Candidate to Watch

Covington is the big name here, though quarterbacks coach T.C. McCartney was also listed as someone to keep an eye on in future years.

“A college receiver at Samford, Covington got his big break in coaching when the Patriots hired him as an assistant in 2017,” Pelissero writes. “He has climbed the ladder in New England since, becoming Jerod Mayo’s top pick for DC when the first-time head coach replaced Bill Belichick this past January.”

It’s been an underwhelming year for the Patriots, though the future looks bright. If Covington builds a top-end defense in 2025, he’ll be on most teams’ short lists to take over as a first-time head coach.

“Covington runs the show on defense, allowing Mayo to focus more attention elsewhere. And the defense has gotten better as the season has gone on, with young players developing under the first-year coordinator,” Pelissero continues. “Covington has the traits — bright, good communicator, knows ball, liked and respected by coaches and players — to lead his own team eventually.”

Things haven’t gone as planned in Jerod Mayo’s first season. Rebuilds take time, though based on his rising popularity, Covington may not be around to see this one through. It’s likely he’ll need another year of seasoning, but keep his name in mind as you read coaching reports with the season nearing its conclusion.