The New England Patriots somehow were worse this season than they were in Bill Belichick’s last season and all options should be on the table.
That includes moving on from head coach Jerod Mayo and also offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt and defensive coordinator DeMarcus Covington.
It’s been a tough season for Covington. He seemed like a no-brainer hire for New England. The 35-year-old has been with the team since 2017 and was a potential head-coach candidate. But his stock plummeted this season as the Patriots were a bottom-five team in EPA per play and were among the worse in nearly every defensive category.
Covington’s job security should be in question just as much as his coaching peers. If he did get fired, New England should consider these five candidates as replacements.
Matt Patricia
Alright, let’s get this one quickly out of the way. Patricia’s name went ice-cold after he flamed out with the Philadelphia Eagles after the 2023 season. The former Detroit Lions head coach’s reputation was tarnished when Bill Belichick put him in charge of the offense and hindered Mac Jones’ development. The 50-year-old tried to rejuvenate his stock when he joined Belichick in his media career. It’s probably more likely Patricia joins Belichick at North Carolina but don’t be surprised if his name gets floated for a possible reunion.
Al Harris
The former Pro Bowl cornerback raised his stock as a coach since he joined the Dallas Cowboys in 2020. The defensive backs coach and assistant head coach has been a trusty hand for Mike McCarthy and played a big part in Trevon Diggs and DaRon Bland’s All-Pro seasons. Harris was under the tutelage of great coaches like McCarthy, Dan Quinn, Mike Zimmer and Andy Reid, and it might be his time to run his own defense.
Anthony Campanile
The former Boston College co-defensive coordinator was part of a defensive turnaround for the Green Bay Packers under Jeff Hafley. Campanile has extensive college experience and can command multiple roles like his position as linebackers coach and run game coordinator for Matt LaFleur’s side. The Patriots were weak in the trenches this season, and Campanile could be the man to help get them back on track in stopping teams from running all over them.
Chris Shula
The Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator is the son of Dave Shula, grandson of Don Shula and nephew of Mike Shula. Chris Shula wore multiple hats for Sean McVay’s side from linebackers coach, defensive backs coach and pass game coordinator to his elevation to defensive coordinator this season. The Rams aren’t exactly a shutdown defense, but they’ve played well under Shula, who’s gotten the most out of his young players, especially rookie Jared Verse. New England doesn’t have a lot of talent to work with and a creative mind like Shula’s could help them as it rebuilds.
Jim Leonhard
The former NFL safety looked like a future NFL defensive coordinator after success in the same role at Wisconsin. However, his short run as interim head coach at his alma mater killed his stock — in fairness to him, the Badgers didn’t exactly get better after he moved on. Leonard’s stock might be back up after a season as defensive backs coach and pass game coordinator under Vance Joseph. The Denver Broncos certainly benefit from having All-Pro corner Patrick Surtain II, but the entire defensive unit, specifically the secondary, shut down the best offenses in the league and was a big part in helping them be a playoff contender. A common theme with these candidates — minus Patricia — is their experience in college and with younger players. Leonard could be the man to help budding stars like Keion White find his groove.
