Packers Hire Former Patriots DC DeMarcus Covington as Defensive Line Coach

GREEN BAY, Wis. — The Green Bay Packers have filled two key coaching vacancies, hiring former New England Patriots defensive coordinator DeMarcus Covington as their new defensive line coach and promoting Sean Mannion to quarterbacks coach, according to ESPN’s Rob Demovsky.

Covington, 35, joins the Packers after spending eight seasons with the Patriots, including the 2024 campaign as defensive coordinator under head coach Jerod Mayo. He previously served as New England’s defensive line coach from 2020 to 2023 and was part of the coaching staff that won Super Bowl LIII. Covington replaces Jason Rebrovich, who was let go after a lackluster 2024 season from Green Bay’s defensive front.

“DeMarcus brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of developing talent,” Packers head coach Matt LaFleur said in a statement. “His energy and expertise will be invaluable as we look to elevate our defensive performance.”

Before his NFL career, Covington played wide receiver at Samford University and spent five years coaching at the collegiate level, including stints as defensive line coach at UT-Martin and co-defensive coordinator at Eastern Illinois.

In Green Bay, Covington will work with a defensive line featuring standout players like Rashan Gary, Kenny Clark, Devonte Wyatt, and Lukas Van Ness. The Packers are expected to explore additional talent through free agency and the draft to bolster the unit.

Meanwhile, Sean Mannion, a former NFL backup quarterback, steps into the role of quarterbacks coach following the retirement of Tom Clements. Mannion began his coaching career as an offensive assistant in 2024 and will now mentor Packers quarterback Jordan Love.

“Sean has a deep understanding of the game and a unique perspective as a former player,” LaFleur said. “We’re excited to see him grow in this new role.”

The coaching changes come as the Packers aim to build on their 2024 season, which saw them finish with a 9-8 record and narrowly miss the playoffs.