New England Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo is actively engaged in the search for coordinators across all three phases of the game. Among the candidates, the team is exploring potential options for the defensive coordinator position, with five individuals currently under consideration.
One notable candidate in the running, as reported by Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated, is Gerald Alexander, an assistant coach with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The 39-year-old brings a wealth of NFL experience, having been selected in the second round of the 2007 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions. Alexander’s playing career spanned across various teams, including the Jacksonville Jaguars, Carolina Panthers, Miami Dolphins, and New York Jets, concluding in 2011 after appearing in 44 games.
Transitioning to coaching in 2013 as an undergraduate assistant at Arkansas State, Alexander has built a diverse coaching background. He worked at Washington, Indiana State, Montana State, and Cal, gaining experience and honing his skills. After internships with the Tennessee Titans and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he made a permanent move to the NFL in 2020, coaching the Miami Dolphins’ defensive backs under Brian Flores. Subsequently, in 2022, he joined the Pittsburgh Steelers as the assistant defensive backs coach.
Alexander is part of a competitive field for the Patriots’ defensive coordinator position, with four other candidates in the mix. DeMarcus Covington, the team’s current defensive line coach, is considered the frontrunner for the promotion. The Patriots are also evaluating Tem Lukabu (Carolina outside linebackers coach), Christian Parker (Denver Broncos defensive backs coach), and Michael Hodges (New Orleans Saints linebackers coach) for the defensive coordinator role.