FOXBORO — New Patriots defensive coordinator DeMarcus Covington, not head coach Jerod Mayo, expects to call defensive plays this upcoming season.

Covington, 34, last served as the Patriots’ defensive line coach.

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“I do plan on calling plays,” Covington said Wednesday after being introduced by Mayo. “I would say you get those practice reps obviously on the practice field and in the classroom for me. So gaining those reps, going through different games, going through situations in the meeting room with the other coaches and then also putting myself in those situations on the practice field. That’s what we do, just like the players are out there preparing to play, and they’re going through reps, I should be doing the same thing as a play-caller during those reps. It just doesn’t happen overnight.

“This is something where I’ve been preparing. This is something I wanted to do. So, you already take the necessary steps to prepare yourself for when you get the opportunity to be ready.”

Steve Belichick, who previously shared coordinator duties with Mayo, called plays from 2019 to 2023. He’s now on staff under head coach Jedd Fisch at the University of Washington as defensive coordinator.

Covington doesn’t expect the defense to change much under Mayo. Cornerbacks coach Mike Pellegrino, safeties coach Brian Belichick and director of skill development (pass rushers) Joe Kim will return. Dont’a Hightower and Drew Wilkins will replace Mayo and Belichick as linebackers coaches, and Jerry Montgomery will take over for Covington as defensive line coach. Jamael Lett and Vinny DePalma were also hired as defensive assistants.

“I think when you turn on the tape, I think what we want to see is a physical team,” Covington said. “A team that plays with good discipline and fundamentals. A team that attacks the football and takes it away from the opponent. That’s what we’re trying to look for with our defense. And a team that goes out there and plays together, for one another. That type of togetherness.”