Sport swire Jerald Alexander is not the next defensive coordinator of New England Patriots. The 39-year-old, who spent the past three seasons as an assistant defensive backs coach with the Pittsburgh Steelers, has decided to join the Las Vegas Raiders. He recently interviewed with new Patriots coach Jerod Mayo about the staff opening, but will instead serve as the safeties coach in Las Vegas.
Alexander was one of five coaches considered for the defensive coordinator position in New England. The team is also targeting interior prospect DeMarcus Covington, who is currently the Patriots’ defensive line coach, as well as Carolina Panthers outside linebacker Tem Lucabu, New Orleans Saints linebacker Michael Hodges and Denver Broncos linebacker Christian Parker.
Covington is considered the favorite to be New England’s next DC. The position has been vacant since Matt Patricia took over in 2017. The coordinator title is expected to return under Mayo, who replaced head coach Bill Belichick earlier this month. It’s still unclear who will ultimately keep it, but we know a few candidates who won’t. After all, Alexander was just the third coach to transfer to another team after interviewing in New England.
Shane Waldron and Dan Pitcher both played as offensive coordinators but decided to go in different directions. Waldron joined the Chicago Bears while Pitcher stayed with the Cincinnati Bengals. In all, the Patriots have arranged or conducted 12 interviews to find new offensive, defensive and special teams coordinators.