Patriots Interview Steelers Assistant for Defensive Coordinator Job

Pittsburgh Steelers assistant defensive backs coach Gerald Alexander interviewed for the New England Patriots defensive coordinator position, according to a report by Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated.

Breer reported that Alexander and Denver Broncos defensive backs coach Christian Parker both interview for the Patriots defensive coordinator position that was vacated when Jarod Mayo was promoted to head coach to replace Bill Belichick.

Breer speculated that defensive line coach DeMarcus Covington could be in line for a promotion to the be the Pats’ new DC, but that Alexander and Parker could be candidates to join the defensive staff in some capacity.

Alexander will be representing the Steelers at the East-West Shrine Bowl in Frisco, Texas this week. He is coaching the linebackers for the West Team.

A former NFL safety for the Detroit Lions, Jacksonville Jaguars, Carolina Panthers, Miami Dolphins and New York Jets, Alexander joined the Steelers’ staff in 2022 on the recommendation of Brian Flores, who he had worked for in Miami. 

Alexander spent the last two seasons working as the team’s assistant defensive backs coach under Grady Brown, usually working with the safeties and slot cornerbacks. He coached Minkah Fitzpatrick to an All-Pro selection in 2022 and consecutive Pro Bowl nominations, as well as helped keep the Steelers’ safety position intact in the face of a huge slate of injuries in 2023, with Fitzpatrick, Keanu Neal, Trenton Thompson, Elijah Riley all missing time and Damontae Kazee serving a three-game suspension.

Before his two seasons with the Dolphins under Flores, Alexander coached at Arkansas State, Washington, Indiana State, Montana State and California at the collegiate level and interned with the Tennessee Titans and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Alexander could leave the Steelers for a promotion to a full position coach, per NFL rules.