Patriots Hire Dont’a Hightower
FOXBORO — For 10 seasons, veteran linebacker Dont’a Hightower was a mainstay for the New England Patriots.
Less than one year removed from officially retiring from the NFL, Hightower is reportedly returning to New England — only this time, on the sidelines.
Hightower, as confirmed by a Friday afternoon release from his agency, is being hired by newly-installed head coach Jerod Mayo to become his linebackers coach. The position, recently-vacated by outgoing coach Steve Belichick, was one of the few remaining spots still available on Mayo’s staff. It also marks Hightower’s first coaching position at any level.
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Hightower has been an essential part of the Patriots’ defense ever since his arrival in 2012 as a Patriots’ first-round draft selection (25 overall) out of the University of Alabama. He was not only a prolific linebacker, but also a director of action on the field, alongside former team captain Devin McCourty. He was also one of the most respected leaders in the Patriots locker room.
During his tenure in New England, Hightower earned a second-team All-Pro selection in 2016, along with two Pro Bowl nods (2016, 2019) and selections on both the New England Patriots All-2010s Team and the franchise’s All-Dynasty team.
For his numerous on-field accomplishments, Hightower’s legend largely stemmed from his prowess in the postseason. He played an integral role on each of the Patriots three Super Bowl championship teams (XLIX, LI, LIII) during the 2010’s — with arguably his most famous moment coming on a late second-half strip-sack of Atlanta Falcons’ quarterback Matt Ryan to spark an improbable 34-28 comeback in Super Bowl LI.
Following a one-year hiatus in 2020 [via COVID-19 opt-out], Hightower returned to reprise his role as a team leader and solid presence in the middle of New England’s defense. He appeared in 16 of 18 possible games and saw the field for 59.8 percent of the Patriots’ defensive snaps. Despite some struggles throughout the season, Hightower showed that he was still capable of being an effective player, finishing the season with 64 tackles and 1.5 sacks, primarily playing on early downs and defending against the run.
After sitting out the 2022 season, Hightower officially announced his retirement in March 2023. In total, he appeared in a combined 134 regular season and playoff games, and registered 650 combined tackles as well as 30 sacks, six fumble recoveries, and two interceptions.
In the coaches room, Hightower will immediately command the respect of his peers, and most-importantly, his players. He was selected by his teammates as a four-time team captain; long since cementing his place among New England’s defensive greats. In fact, when asked about which current Patriots’ defenders might be in line to eventually fill his cleats, former Patriots coach Bill Belichick responded:
“It's a stretch to compare almost anybody to Hightower … You're talking about one of the best linebackers that's ever played here.”
Accordingly, Dont’a Hightower will now put that prowess into practice in leading the next generation of Patriots in 2024 and beyond.
