Patriots assistant reportedly a ‘strong favorite’ for defensive coordinator job

Patriots defensive line coach DeMarcus Covington is a “strong favorite” to be promoted to defensive coordinator, per Sports Illustrated. Covington is the Patriots’ longest-tenured defensive assistant after Steve Belichick. He served as their defensive line coach each of the past four seasons, outside linebackers coach in 2019 and as a coaching assistant in 2017-18. Covington, 34, is well-respected by staffers and players alike, some of whom see him as a potential head coach one day. “Definitely,” Patriots defensive lineman and captain Deatrich Wise told the Herald in November. “He has...