One Packers assistant is rapidly becoming one of the NFL's hottest coaching names

Assistant coach DeMarcus Covington lands on national list of NFL assistants to watch in 2026.

The Green Bay Packers have built a defensive coaching staff they believe in, and the rest of the league is starting to take notice. Assistant head coach DeMarcus Covington earned a spot on The Athletic’s list of NFL assistant coaches to watch in 2026, compiled by Jourdan Rodrigue. The recognition reflects what the Packers already know about a coach who carries three titles and seven seasons of experience under Bill Belichick on his résumé.

Rising through the Packers’ defensive staff

Green Bay hired Covington last year as a defensive line coach and run game coordinator. The organization promoted him this offseason to outside linebackers coach, run game coordinator, and assistant head coach of the defense. That promotion came after the team chose not to elevate him to defensive coordinator, instead bringing in Jonathan Gannon to fill that role. Still, three titles for one coach are telling about how Matt LaFleur and the front office view Covington’s value.

“Covington has a really strong coaching background - seven seasons working under Bill Belichick and other New England assistants, including Brian Flores when he was the Patriots' DC - and was retained in Green Bay by new Packers defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon on his arrival in 2026. Covington has also received interest for defensive coordinator openings in previous years, but may get more recognition in 2026, with curious eyes wondering how the Packers' defense will fare both without Micah Parsons and after Parsons returns from his 2025 injury.” - Jourdan Rodrigue

Scheme change sharpens Covington’s focus

The Packers are shifting back to a 3-4 base defense under Gannon, and that structural change directly affects Covington’s day-to-day responsibilities. Last season, Green Bay grouped edge rushers and interior defensive linemen together. Under the new scheme, those position groups will work separately. Covington will focus exclusively on the outside linebackers in addition to his run game coordinator and assistant head coach duties.

Before arriving in Green Bay, Covington held multiple roles with the New England Patriots, including outside linebackers coach, defensive line coach, and defensive coordinator. That breadth of experience made him a natural fit for the assistant head coach role once Rich Bisaccia left the organization during the offseason. Covington and quarterbacks coach Luke Getsy now serve as the two assistant head coaches on LaFleur’s staff, one on each side of the ball.

What it means for Green Bay

The national attention confirms what the Packers already understand internally. Covington is a highly respected defensive mind, and his presence strengthens a staff that will need to manage the early portion of the season without Micah Parsons, who is still working his way back from an ACL injury.

The reality is that Covington’s profile could lead to his departure after this season if a defensive coordinator opening materializes elsewhere. For now, though, the Packers have assembled a defensive coaching staff anchored by Gannon and reinforced by Covington, and that combination gives Green Bay a strong foundation heading into training camp.

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