Green Bay Packers Could Lose Another Defensive Coach To AFC Foe

The NFL coaching carousel is a whirlwind every offseason, with teams looking to poach rising stars from their rivals. For the Green Bay Packers, this cycle has become all too familiar, and they may be on the verge of losing another key piece of their defensive staff.

According to reports, Packers defensive line coach and run game coordinator DeMarcus Covington is set to interview for the vacant defensive coordinator position with the Las Vegas Raiders. This news puts Green Bay at risk of losing a highly respected coach who has been instrumental in the development of their defensive front.

Green Bay Packers DeMarcus Covington A Hot Name In Coaching

This isn’t the first time Covington’s name has come up for a promotion. This offseason alone, he has already interviewed for defensive coordinator jobs with the New York Jets and the Dallas Cowboys. While those positions were ultimately filled by other candidates, the fact that he is on the shortlist for multiple teams speaks volumes about how he is viewed around the league.

Covington is a coach on the rise. At just 36 years old, he has already built an impressive resume. He joined the Packers in 2025 after a successful eight-year stint with the New England Patriots, where he worked his way up to defensive coordinator for the 2024 season. His time in New England under Bill Belichick gave him a top-tier education in defensive strategy, coaching both linebackers and the defensive line.

When Packers coach Matt LaFleur hired Covington, it was a clear signal that the team wanted to improve its performance in the trenches. Covington was brought in to get the most out of a talented but sometimes underperforming group.

Covington’s Impact on the Packers’ Defense

In his time with Green Bay, Covington has made a noticeable impact. He was tasked with improving a run defense that had struggled in previous years. Under his guidance, the Green Bay Packers’ front has become more disciplined and effective. This past season, the team showed marked improvement in key areas, and Covington’s coaching was a big reason why.

His true value, however, might be in player development. He has played a crucial role in nurturing the team’s young talent. Rookies like Nazir Stackhouse and Warren Brinson have shown significant growth under his tutelage. He also helped elevate the play of returning players like Devonte Wyatt, who was on track for a career year before an unfortunate injury cut his season short.

Covington has a reputation for being a great teacher who can connect with his players and maximize their potential. Losing that kind of leadership from the coaching staff would be a significant blow.

What His Departure Could Mean for Green Bay

The Packers’ defensive coaching staff is already in a state of flux. With former defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley leaving for a head coaching job in Miami, Green Bay is already facing turnover at several key positions, including linebackers coach and defensive backs coach.

If Covington were to land the job with the Raiders, it would mean that nearly every major position coach on the defensive side of the ball would be new for the 2026 season. New defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon would be left with another massive hole to fill on his staff, and the team would lose one of the last remaining holdovers from the previous defensive regime.

This level of turnover creates a challenge for continuity. Players who have built strong relationships with Covington would have to adapt to a new coach and potentially a new system. For a team looking to build on its recent playoff success, maintaining stability in the coaching ranks is crucial.

A Deserved Opportunity

While Packers fans will be hoping Covington stays in Green Bay, this opportunity is a well-deserved one for him. He has put in the work, climbing the coaching ladder and proving his worth at every stop. The chance to become a defensive coordinator is the logical next step in his promising career.

The Raiders, under new head coach Klint Kubiak, are looking to build a new identity, and Covington could be the perfect architect for their defense. His experience and leadership make him an attractive candidate for any team looking for a new defensive play-caller.

For now, the Packers can only wait and see. If Covington gets the job, it will be a testament to the quality of their coaching staff. But it will also mean they have another significant challenge to overcome this offseason as they work to keep their championship window open.