The New England Patriots plan to elevate defensive-line coach DeMarcus Covington to defensive coordinator, according to multiple reports on Saturday.

The NFL team has not confirmed the “according to sources” reports, but the Patriots’ official website did acknowledge them with a story on Saturday.

Covington was an All-State defensive back and tight end for John Carroll Catholic in Birmingham in 2006, and he played wide receiver for Samford from 2007 through 2010.

Covington started his coaching career as a graduate assistant at UAB in 2012. He’s been on New England’s staff since 2017 and has been the defensive-line coach for the past four seasons.

The Patriots have improved their rushing defensive in each season under Covington. After finishing 26th among the NFL’s 32 teams in rushing yards allowed in 2020, New England ranked 22nd in 2021, seventh in 2022 and fourth in 2023.

One year ago, Covington served as the defensive coordinator for the American team at the Reese’s Senior Bowl in Mobile.

After 24 seasons with Bill Belichick as their head coach, the Patriots made a change this month by elevating linebackers coach Jerod Mayo into the top spot.

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Mark Inabinett is a sports reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter at @AMarkG1.