Cowboys Eye Green Bay’s Demarcus Covington for Defensive Coordinator Role, Adding Another Chapter to NFL Coaching Carousel

ARLINGTON, TX – The Dallas Cowboys and Green Bay Packers have become unlikely rivals off the field as well as on it. The fallout from last season’s blockbuster trade that sent star linebacker Micah Parsons to Green Bay continues to reverberate throughout the NFL. Now, reports indicate that another link may soon form between these two storied franchises: the Cowboys have requested permission to interview Packers defensive line coach and run game coordinator Demarcus Covington for their vacant defensive coordinator position.

The news, first reported by ESPN senior NFL insider Josina Anderson on January 14, 2026, has ignited conversation among fans, analysts, and league insiders alike. Anderson confirmed via X (formerly Twitter): “I’m told the #Cowboys have requested to interview #Packers defensive line coach/run game coordinator Demarcus Covington for their defensive coordinator vacancy, per league source.”

Covington’s name immediately drew attention not only because of his impressive coaching résumé but also due to his association with two franchises now connected through high-profile personnel moves. A photo accompanying the report, credited to the Packers, circulated widely, sparking both humor and speculation among social media users.

Demarcus Covington: From College Player to NFL Rising Star

Covington’s rise through the coaching ranks has been nothing short of meteoric. Born March 30, 1989, in Birmingham, Alabama, he played wide receiver at Samford University, recording 62 receptions for 586 yards and two touchdowns between 2007 and 2010. After his playing career ended, he quickly transitioned to coaching, beginning as a defensive graduate assistant at the University of Alabama-Birmingham in 2012.

From there, Covington accumulated experience at Ole Miss (2013-2014), UT Martin (2015), and Eastern Illinois (2016), serving as co-defensive coordinator and defensive line coach. His college coaching career was marked by innovation and adaptability, traits that would later define his approach in the NFL.

In 2017, Covington entered the NFL with the New England Patriots as a coaching assistant under legendary head coach Bill Belichick. Over the next several years, he progressed from coaching outside linebackers in 2019 to leading the defensive line from 2020 to 2023. His promotion to defensive coordinator in 2024 under head coach Jerod Mayo further solidified his reputation as one of the league’s rising coaching talents. During his tenure, the Patriots’ defense ranked eighth in 2022, with Covington gaining acclaim for his expertise in run defense, line play, and overall defensive scheming.

Covington also led the defensive unit for the American team at the 2023 Senior Bowl, further enhancing his national profile. In February 2025, he joined the Packers as defensive line coach and run game coordinator, replacing Jason Rebrovich. Tasked with improving Green Bay’s defensive front, Covington focused on run-stopping schemes, aligning with head coach Matt LaFleur’s balanced defensive philosophy.

Dallas Cowboys’ Search for a Defensive Leader

The Cowboys’ pursuit of Covington comes amid a high-stakes coaching carousel. After a 2025 season marked by defensive inconsistencies — particularly against the run and in pass-rush efficiency — Dallas parted ways with their previous defensive coordinator. Owner Jerry Jones and head coach Mike McCarthy are reportedly seeking a fresh perspective, someone capable of unlocking the full potential of a roster that features stars like Micah Parsons, DeMarcus Lawrence, and Trevon Diggs.

Covington’s experience under Belichick and Mayo makes him a compelling candidate. His background blends man coverage, zone blitzing, and disciplined run defense, and he has demonstrated the ability to adapt schemes to match the strengths of his personnel — an essential requirement for a Cowboys team rich in defensive talent. Analysts have noted that Covington’s previous coordinator interviews and participation in the NFL’s Coach Accelerator Program have positioned him as a rising star in the league, capable of leading a defense at just 36 years old.

Fan Reactions and Social Media Buzz

The news of Covington’s potential interview sparked a mix of reactions online. Packers supporters expressed concern, noting the potential disruption to Green Bay’s defensive continuity. One fan commented, “Losing Covington would hurt, especially with Devonte Wyatt and Karl Brooks developing under him.”

Meanwhile, Cowboys fans welcomed the news with cautious optimism. “This is exactly the type of young, innovative coach we need,” one user wrote. Others injected humor into the discussion, joking about Covington’s photo resembling a popular rapper or expressing disbelief at the speed of the coaching carousel.

The conversation highlights the increasingly prominent role of social media in shaping perceptions and expectations for NFL coaching hires, particularly for high-profile franchises like Dallas and Green Bay.

Implications for Both Franchises

Should Covington secure the Cowboys’ defensive coordinator role, he would become one of the NFL’s youngest coordinators, signaling Dallas’ commitment to a new era of disciplined, versatile defensive play. The hiring would likely bring Belichick-inspired principles to Arlington, emphasizing adaptability, accountability, and rigorous preparation. Analysts suggest that Covington’s presence could address the Cowboys’ weaknesses against the run, a key factor in turning the team from playoff hopeful to contender.

For Green Bay, losing Covington would pose a significant challenge. His work in 2025 helped stabilize the Packers’ defensive front, improved run-stopping efficiency, and fostered the development of young linemen. Head coach Matt LaFleur would face the task of quickly identifying a replacement capable of maintaining defensive continuity and preparing the team for another playoff push in 2026.

The Broader NFL Coaching Landscape

The Covington-Cowboys story also illustrates the fluidity of NFL coaching pipelines. Rising assistants frequently move between franchises, bringing philosophies, techniques, and innovations that shape team identities. Covington’s potential hire would exemplify how teams increasingly prioritize youth, adaptability, and analytical approaches when selecting coordinators.

This scenario also underscores the intertwined nature of modern NFL front offices. Trades, coaching moves, and personnel decisions ripple across multiple teams, influencing not only win-loss records but also player development, morale, and franchise identity. The Cowboys-Packers-Covington connection is emblematic of these multi-layered dynamics.

Looking Ahead

As the Cowboys continue their search, other candidates reportedly include Minnesota Vikings passing game coordinator Daronte Jones, emphasizing that Dallas is exploring multiple paths to defensive improvement. Covington’s ultimate decision — and Green Bay’s response — will likely shape both teams’ defensive outlooks for years to come.

For fans and analysts, the storyline offers a compelling subplot: the continued interconnection of Dallas and Green Bay in both player and coaching realms. From Micah Parsons’ trade to the potential hiring of Covington, these franchises are linked in ways that extend beyond the field, providing a narrative that will be studied and debated well into the 2026 season.

In a league where coaching talent is at a premium and defensive acumen often separates playoff teams from pretenders, Covington’s next move could have far-reaching implications. Whether he remains in Green Bay or takes the reins in Dallas, the NFL will be watching closely as a new chapter in this evolving Cowboys-Packers saga unfolds.