The New England Patriots continue to expand their hierarchy as the Jerod Mayo era begins next fall. After 24 years under Bill Belichick, the Patriots are going through uncertain times, including a number of new hires in the organization. New England added another piece to its front office on Wednesday.
The AFC East team is set to hire Miami Hurricanes general manager Alonzo Highsmith as an executive director, according to 247Sports. In addition to Mayo and Highsmith, the Patriots hired offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt and Jeremy Spring as special teams coordinators. They also hired DeMarcus Covington as defensive coordinator. Alonzo Highsmith: Returning to the NFLHighsmith played for the Miami Hurricanes from 1983 to 1986, throwing for 1,873 yards and 18 touchdowns and helping the team win a championship as a freshman.
After six seasons in the NFL, Highsmith turned to boxing and compiled a 27-1-2 record in four years. The Florida native first joined the front office with the Green Bay Packers in 2012, where he was named senior personnel manager. In 2018, he moved to the Cleveland Browns’ vice president of player personnel, where he spent two seasons. Highsmith joined the Seattle Seahawks in 2020 as a personnel manager. In an era of unprecedented NILs and player compensation, Highsmith moved to college football in 2022, taking the title of general manager of football operations with the Miami Heat. Miami had a respectable NIL relationship during his tenure, but the ACC schedule posted a disappointing 12-13 record.
NewEngland Patriots: Start a new chapter in 2024After 24 seasons, six Super Bowl rings and a 69 percent winning percentage, the New England Patriots will have a new bench boss next fall. But the Patriots struggled last season with future Hall of Famer Bill Belichick heading into the Finals. New England finished last in the AFC East at 4-13 and allowed 13.9 points per game, the second-lowest average in the NFL.
The quarterback room struggled mightily, with the combination of Mack Jones and Bailey Zappé throwing 16 touchdowns against 21 picks.The defense was slightly better, allowing an average of 21.5 points per game. However, the Patriots did not participate in the Pro Bowl last week.
