According to sportstrust advisors, former patriots linebacker Dont’a Hightower was hired to coach his former team’s linebackers group after their playing careers ended.
According to ESPN’s Mike and, the hiring seemed to complete the major coaching hires on the defensive side of the ball, meaning that cornerbacks coach mike pellegrino would return to coach the position in 2024.
Hightower was a 2012 first-round pick for the patriots out of alabama in 2012. Hightower started his 10-year career at a high level, playing in red, white, and blue. Durability was the only major issue for the two-time pro bowler in his career. He only appeared in every game of a season once and missed 11 games in 2017 due to a torn pectoral muscle during his time in new england. He was also one of the few nfl players to opt out of the 2020 season as a result of the covid-19 pandemic, history the 2021 season will return and, after going unsigned in 2022, will retire in 2023.
Hightower finished his career with 569 tackles, 43 tackles for loss, 27 sacks, two forced fumbles, and five fumble recoveries. Over his career, he hit the quarterback 67 times, intercepted them once, and deflected 18 passes. Hightower will return to the nfl as a coach for the only team he ever played for, joining former teammate and new head coach jerod mayo. Hightower will replace former defensive line coach demarcus covington as defensive coordinator, along with returning safeties coach brian belichick, and pellegrino as defensive line coaches. The major hires on this side of the ball should be concluded, though minor roles may still be filled.
According to mike giardi of the boston sports journal, new england is reportedly finalizing a deal to sign former panthers assistant offensive line coach robert kugler. Kugler is a household name in coaching circles and is considered a good candidate for offensive coordinator positions in the not-too-distant future.
