Ex-New England LB Dont'a Hightower joins Patriots coaching staff

(Photo credit: 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 A