Dont'a Hightower returns to Patriots as LBs coach

Jerod Mayo and Dont'a Hightower once roamed the field together as New England Patriots linebackers. Now, they'll coach together on the sidelines.

Hightower has been hired to join Mayo's staff as a linebackers coach, his agency announced Friday.

Mayo and Hightower played four seasons together with the Patriots from 2012-15. While 2012 was Hightower's rookie season, Mayo was already well-established in his career. The latter retired after 2015.

Hightower spent his entire career with the Patriots after they selected him in the first round of the 2012 draft. He won three Super Bowls and made two Pro Bowls with the franchise.

The 33-year-old retired in 2023, though his last on-field appearance came in 2021.

Mayo was named Bill Belichick's successor earlier this offseason.