The New England Patriots have tapped into their winning legacy, bringing back former linebacker Dont’a Hightower to fill the coaching void left by Jerod Mayo and Steve Belichick.
Mayo’s elevation to head coach and Belichick’s move to the University of Washington created a need for a linebackers coach, and Hightower is stepping into the role with his three-time Super Bowl champion experience.
Hightower, a first-round pick (25th overall) by the Patriots in 2012, reunites with Mayo, his former teammate in the linebackers room for four seasons. After a COVID-19 opt-out in 2020, Hightower returned in 2021, playing 15 games, and officially retired in March 2023 after sitting out the 2022 season.
Heeee’s Back to Coach LBs for the Patriots. Congrats @zeus30hightower and @Patriots#LegendsLiveHere pic.twitter.com/oKzfKgnb6V
— SportsTrust Advisors (@_SportsTrust) February 9, 2024
Now, Hightower makes a comeback of a different kind, transitioning from player to coach with the Patriots. The move aligns with the team’s strategy of blending seasoned former players with strategic coaching appointments.
The news comes a day after Mike Reiss reported that Mike Pellegrino will return as cornerbacks coach, in addition to Brian Belichick returning as safeties coach. With DeMarcus Covington’s promotion from defensive line coach to defensive coordinator, the team hired Jerry Montgomery from Green Bay to fill the vacant defensive line role.
With Hightower joining as linebackers coach, the Patriots aim to maintain their winning tradition through a well-rounded coaching staff.
