Patriots defensive line coach DeMarcus Covington is a “strong favorite” to be promoted to defensive coordinator, per Sports Illustrated.

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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 a great understanding of the entire defense and scheme. He can coach defensive line, linebackers and defensive backs. He sees the big picture, he’s a good players coach and can control the room.”

Last year, Covington worked as a defensive coordinator at the Reese’s Senior Bowl. He came highly recommended by former head coach Bill Belichick, and ran a tight ship, per Senior Bowl executive director and ex-Patriots scout Jim Nagy.

“He did a great job from a command and authoritative standpoint, and having juice and everything you would look for in a leadership role. He had that stuff,” Nagy told the Herald. “And I thought he did a really good job. There were no hiccups during the week. … And watching him out at practice, he did a great job. And that’s not easy.”

According to reports, the Patriots have already interviewed Panthers linebackers coach Tem Lukabu, Broncos defensive backs coach Christian Parker, Saints linebackers coach Michael Hodges and Steelers assistant defensive backs coach Gerald Alexander for their defensive coordinator job. Alexander, an ex-assistant in Miami under former Patriots coaches Brian Flores and Josh Boyer, interviewed in recent days, per Sports Illustrated.