The Bengals are planning to interview Patriots defensive coordinator DeMarcus Covington for the same position Wednesday, according to an NFL Network report.

Covington, 35, just completed his first season as a coordinator in New England. He remains under contract with the team, but has received permission to interview elsewhere while the Patriots conduct their head-coaching search.

Under Covington’s leadership, the Patriots ranked 22nd in points allowed last season. The defense struggled with fundamentals and forcing takeaways, areas Covington himself highlighted during midseason press conferences. Covington joined the organization as a coaching assistant in 2017, then received a promotion to outside linebackers coach in 2019 and led the defensive line room from 2020-2023.

Covington was the Patriots’ leading candidate for their defensive coordinator position last offseason once former head coach Jerod Mayo took over in January. The two worked together as assistants on the Patriots’ defensive staff for five years. After the 2022 season, Covington also interviewed for the Cardinals’ and Chargers’ defensive coordinator jobs.

Cincinnati fired veteran defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo on Monday. Anarumo spent six seasons in that role, including a 2021 Super campaign when the Bengals ranked among the best defenses in the league. This year, Cincinnati finished 25th in scoring defense, allowing 25.5 points per game.