Ex-New England LB Dont'a Hightower joins Patriots coaching staff
Nov 14, 2021; New England Patriots outside linebacker Dont'a Hightower (54) laughs on the sidelines during the second half against the Cleveland Browns at Gillette Stadium. Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; credits: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports Former Patriots linebacker Dont'a Hightower is returning to New England as a member of the staff of new head coach Jerod Mayo.
His agency, SportsTrust Advisors, broke the news on social media Friday.
The 33-year-old Hightower, who will coach the linebackers, played his entire career with the Patriots, who selected him with the 25th overall pick of the 2012 NFL Draft out of Alabama. He and Mayo were teammates on the Patriots defense from 2012-15.
Hightower won three Super Bowls in nine seasons with the Patriots. He was a two-time Pro Bowl selection and played 117 games (114 starts) with the Patriots.
In talking with reporters last April, Mayo mentioned Hightower as a future coach.
"I think Hightower would be a phenomenal coach," Mayo said, per USA Today. "So, we'll see. When I get a chance to run my own ship, I'll try to recruit him."
Mayo was the inside linebackers coach on Bill Belichick's staff from 2019-23 before being promoted to head coach upon Belichick's departure last month.
—Field Level Media
WWE Night of Champions: Biggest Takeaways From Saudi Arabia
Can MMA Fix Its Officiating Problem After UFC Baku?
USMNT's World Cup Path Gets Tougher After Group Stage Draw
Dancing Mr. Met Perfectly Captured the Mets' 2026 Collapse
- UFC Baku Picks: Three Bets to Target on Saturday's Main Card
- College Football Championship Odds: Four Value Bets for 2026
- Paul Skenes Headlines Friday June 26th's Best MLB Bets
- Three MLB Bets Worth Targeting on Thursday June 25 Slate
- MLB Picks Today: Backing the Yankees and Phillies-Nationals Over
- Tuesday MLB Best Bets: Two Pitching Props Worth Playing
- Prediction Markets Reveal Interesting NBA Draft Longshots
