Patriots Move on From 2 More Coaches on Monday

The New England Patriots have had plenty of turnover in the last few weeks as the team turns to Mike Vrabel as their new head coach.

Vrabel took over for Jerod Mayo, who was fired after one season at the helm. Since Vrabel was hired as Mayo’s replacement on Jan. 12, the 49-year-old has spent most of his time constructing a coaching staff including hiring Josh McDaniels as offensive coordinator and Terrelll Williams as defensive coordinator. But while several are coming into the organization, it’s been just as notable who is going out.

The latest departures came on Monday as Mark Daniels of MassLive reported that Dont'a Hightower and Drew Wilkins will not be returning to the Patriots next season. Both coaches were coming off their first year on the Patriots staff, with Hightower coaching the inside linebackers and Wilkins leading the outside linebackers, but it appears neither will have a second season in Foxborough.

Dont'a Hightower and Drew Wilkins are the latest departures from the New England Patriots coaching staff

Hightower’s return to the Patriots was a big deal as the three-time Super Bowl champion came back to help his former teammate in Mayo. The transition didn’t go smoothly as starter Ja’Whaun Bentley tore his pectoral muscle during a Week 2 game against Seattle, but a lot of the struggles on defense can be attributed to a year-one learning curve for those involved.

Wilkins was one of the more experienced coaches on Mayo’s staff last season. Wilkins spent 10 seasons learning under Wink Martindale with the Baltimore Ravens and two more with the New York Giants. While the 37-year-old tried to bring some of those wrinkles with him to New England, it didn’t work out as 22nd in points and total defense last season.

Hightower and Wilkins’ decision not to return represents an overhaul for the Patriots staff on defense. Williams was hired as defensive coordinator on Jan. 22 and New England added Zak Kuhr last week and Milton Williams on Monday to presumably replace Hightower and Wilkins, although their official titles have not been confirmed.

It’s another sign that things will look different as Vrabel takes over next season and it could help the Patriots rebound from a 4-13 season.

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