Patriots assistant coach calls former linebacker a 'superstar' and a future head coach

With the New England Patriots hiring Jerod Mayo to replace Bill Belichick as the team's head coach this offseason, they've also had a number of changes to the rest of the staff.

One of the most intriguing hires since then has been that of inside linebackers coach Dont'a Hightower.

Hightower, 34, was one of New England's two first-round selections in the 2012 NFL draft, and he played 10 seasons with the team, winning three Super Bowls and making two Pro Bowls during his career.

Now, as he ventures into coaching for the first time in his career, working under Mayo, who was his teammate, and DeMarcus Covington, his co-workers believe the sky is the limit for him.

Speaking before a recent training camp session, outside linebackers coach Drew Wilkins (first season in New England) called Hightower a "superstar" and also said that he believes that he'll be a head coach someday.

“I think as a coach the sky is the limit for him," Wilkins said (via. Chris Mason ). This guy is going to be a head coach in the NFL. He’s so smart. So gifted as a communicator... This is a superstar in the league that we’re all lucky to be around every day.”

Hightower had a great career with the Patriots as a player, and it would be amazing to see him continue to have the same level of success in his new field, even if that means he has to work elsewhere to reach the pinnacle of the profession.

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