The New England Patriots continue to add to their hierarchy as the Jerod Mayo era will begin next fall. After 24 years under frontman Bill Belichick, the Patriots are undergoing unfamiliar times, including making numerous hires throughout the organization. On Wednesday, New England added another piece to their front office. Per 247Sports’ Matt Zenitz, the AFC East club will hire Miami Hurricanes general manager Alonzo Highsmith for an executive role.
The New England Patriots are hiring University of Miami general manager Alonzo Highsmith for a front office role, sources tell @247sports.
A return to the NFL for Highsmith, who previously worked for the Seahawks, Browns and Packers. (@brucefeldmancfb, @manny_navarro and… pic.twitter.com/jwVuUrTAWw
— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) February 7, 2024
Alongside Mayo and Highsmith, the Patriots have hired offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt and Jeremy Spring as special teams coordinator. Meanwhile, they also promoted DeMarcus Covington to defensive coordinator.
Alonzo Highsmith: Rejoining NFL
Highsmith played running back for the Miami Hurricanes from 1983 to 1986, rushing for 1,873 yards and 18 touchdowns while helping the team win the championship as a freshman. After six seasons in the NFL, Highsmith transitioned to boxing, where he compiled a 27–1–2 record over four years. The Florida native landed his first front-office gig with the Green Bay Packers, earning the title of Senior Personnel Executive in 2012. He transitioned to Vice President of Player Personnel with the Cleveland Browns in 2018, where he spent two seasons.
Highsmith joined the Seattle Seahawks in 2020 as a personnel executive. In the unprecedented era of NIL and player compensation, Highsmith transitioned to college football in 2022, taking on the title of general manager of football operations with the Miami Hurricanes. Miami dished out significant NIL contacts during his tenure, but the ACC program accumulated an underwhelming 12-13 record.
New England Patriots: Starting New Chapter in 2024
After 24 seasons, six Super Bowl rings, and a 69% winning percentage, the New England Patriots will deploy a new bench boss next fall. However, the Patriots struggled last season, their final with future Hall of Famer Bill Belichick as the frontman. New England went 4-13, finishing last in the AFC East while scoring 13.9 points per game, the second-lowest average in the NFL. The quarterback room largely struggled, with the combo of Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe throwing 16 touchdowns against 21 picks.
The defense played slightly better, allowing a near-league average of 21.5 points per game. However, the Patriots did not have a representative at last week’s Pro Bowl.
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