Dont’a Hightower reportedly returning to Patriots as LB coach
Hightower played nine seasons for the Patriots, winning three Super Bowls in that span.
New Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo is adding a familiar face to his coaching staff.
Dont’a Hightower is returning to New England to serve as the team’s linebacker coach under Mayo and new defensive coordinator DeMarcus Covington. Hightower’s agency, SportsTrust Advisors, broke the news on X. Afterwards, the Patriots’ social media account tweeted a gif of the former linebacker.
Hightower played nine seasons in the NFL, all with the Patriots, and won three Super Bowls before retiring after the 2021 season. He played alongside Mayo in New England for four seasons and was also coached by Mayo later on. Mayo was reportedly keen on hiring Mayo early in the process of filling out his staff.
Mayo is making quick work filling out his coaching group for 2024. Hiring Hightower means the entire defensive staff is already in place. Covington as defensive coordinator, Brian Belichick returning as safeties coach, Jerry Montgomery coaching the defensive line, and Mike Pellegrino staying as cornerbacks coach.
There are a few holes on the offensive side of the ball, but Mayo notably hired Ben McAdoo for assistance on that side, along with offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt.
This will be Hightower’s first coaching gig since his retirement a few seasons ago. That trajectory turned out well for Mayo, and now the former Patriots linebacker turned head coach is hoping for similar coaching success out of his former teammate.
Given that he’s a fan favorite and by all accounts loved by his former teammates, Hightower should be welcomed back to the sideline in New England with open arms.
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