Dont'a Hightower Hired as Patriots' LB Coach by Jerod Mayo; Played 9 Years with Team

The New England Patriots have hired former linebacker Dont'a Hightower to be the team's linebackers coach under new head coach Jerod Mayo.

Hightower played his entire NFL career with the Patriots. He was drafted out of Alabama in 2012 by New England and played for the Patriots until 2021. After not playing during the 2022 season, he announced his official retirement. During his time with the Patriots, Hightower earned one Second-team All-Pro selection, two Pro Bowl appearances and won three Super Bowls.

Now, Hightower will return to New England as the Patriots enter a new era under Mayo.

The Patriots are beginning a new chapter with Mayo as the head coach after Bill Belichick, who had coached the team since 2000, stepped down. The Patriots haven't found much success in recent years, missing the playoffs the last two seasons and going 4-13 last year, but they're looking to use the fresh start to get back on track.

The Patriots have been assembling the rest of their staff around Mayo, with Hightower being the newest addition. New England promoted defensive line coach DeMarcus Covington to defensive coordinator in January, marking Mayo's first staff hire. Last week, the Patriots hired former Cleveland Browns offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt as offensive coordinator.

With the hire of Hightower along with a few retentions, like safeties coach Brian Belichick, the Patriots staff for the 2024 season is starting to take full form.