Former Alabama Standout Dont'a Hightower Hired by Patriots as Linebackers Coach

Dont'a Hightower returns to New England as a coach after retiring as a player less than one year ago.

Former Alabama standout linebacker Dont'a Hightower was hired as the New England Patriots linebacker on Friday, per SportsTrust Advisors.

Heeee’s Back to Coach LBs for the Patriots. Congrats @zeus30hightower and @Patriots#LegendsLiveHere pic.twitter.com/oKzfKgnb6V

— SportsTrust Advisors (@_SportsTrust) February 9, 2024

The 25th overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft spent all nine seasons of his career in New England. The Crimson Tide product made the Pro Bowl twice in 2016 and 2019 and is a three-time Super Bowl champion.

This hire stems from the Patriots' attempt to start a new dynasty, as they mutually parted ways with head coach Bill Belichick nearly one month ago after a rough past couple of seasons. Jerod Mayo, Hightower's former teammate and fellow starting linebacker, took over Belichick's position a couple of days later.

Hightower retired from the NFL as a player 325 days ago, but the opportunity to be in the league again, this time as a coach alongside a former teammate appeared to be an offer he couldn't refuse.

The 33-year-old is certainly qualified to help develop players of his longtime position as he finished his NFL career with 650 tackles, 76 quarterback hits, 30 sacks, six fumble recoveries, three forced fumbles and two interceptions. He is a member of the New England Patriots All-2010s and All-Dynasty teams.

An argument can be made that Hightower's career-defining moment was in the infamous Super Bowl LI against the Atlanta Falcons. Hightower strip-sacked Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan to give New England the ball back, down 28-12 with eight minutes remaining. This was the turning point in the Patriot's all-time-great comeback.

Hightower's success somewhat stems from his college days in Tuscaloosa, Ala., as he was a Consensus All-American and First Team All-SEC member in 2011 and a two-time BCS National Champion in 2009 and 2011.

Now with a new role, Hightower is aiming to develop his players into making historic plays like he did for the Crimson Tide and Patriots not too long ago.

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