New England Patriots linebackers coach history
Dont'a Hightower
Hightower is the linebackers coach for the New England Patriots since the 2024 season.
Jerod Mayo
Mayo was the linebackers coach for the New England Patriots in the 2023 season.
Steve Belichick
Belichick was the linebackers coach for the New England Patriots in the 2023 season.
Brian Flores
Flores was the linebackers coach for the New England Patriots in the 2017-2018 seasons, a total of two years. Flores' record as the team's linebackers coach was 24-8-0, making him the third-most successful linebackers coach in New England Patriots history. The team made it to the playoffs two times (2017-2018) and had a 5-1 record under Coach Flores in playoff games. In 2017, the New England Patriots faced off against the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LII and the Patriots, under the direction of head coach Bill Belichick, lost 33-41. In 2018, the New England Patriots faced off against the Los Angeles Rams in Super Bowl LIII and the Patriots, under the direction of head coach Bill Belichick, won 13-3.
Patrick Graham
Graham was the linebackers coach for the New England Patriots in the 2011, 2014-2015 seasons, a total of three years. Graham's record as the team's linebackers coach was 37-11-0, making him the second-most successful linebackers coach in New England Patriots history. The team made it to the playoffs three times (2011, 2014-2015) and had a 6-2 record under Coach Graham in playoff games. In 2011, the New England Patriots faced off against the New York Giants in Super Bowl XLVI and the Patriots, under the direction of head coach Bill Belichick, lost 17-21. In 2014, the New England Patriots faced off against the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XLIX and the Patriots, under the direction of head coach Bill Belichick, won 28-24.
Pepper Johnson
Johnson was the linebackers coach for the New England Patriots in the 2012-2013 seasons, a total of two years. Johnson's record as the team's linebackers coach was 24-8-0, making him the third-most successful linebackers coach in New England Patriots history. The team made it to the playoffs two times (2012-2013) and had a 2-2 record under Coach Johnson in playoff games.
Matt Patricia
Patricia was the linebackers coach for the New England Patriots in the 2006-2010 seasons, a total of five years. Patricia's record as the team's linebackers coach was 63-17-0, making him the most successful linebackers coach in New England Patriots history. The team made it to the playoffs four times (2006-2007, 2009-2010) and had a 4-4 record under Coach Patricia in playoff games. In 2007, the New England Patriots faced off against the New York Giants in Super Bowl XLII and the Patriots, under the direction of head coach Bill Belichick, lost 14-17.
Dean Pees
Pees was the linebackers coach for the New England Patriots in the 2004-2005 seasons, a total of two years. Pees' record as the team's linebackers coach was 24-8-0, making him the third-most successful linebackers coach in New England Patriots history. The team made it to the playoffs two times (2004-2005) and had a 4-1 record under Coach Pees in playoff games. In 2004, the New England Patriots faced off against the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl XXXIX and the Patriots, under the direction of head coach Bill Belichick, won 24-21.
Rob Ryan
Ryan was the linebackers coach for the New England Patriots in the 2000-2003 seasons, a total of four years. The team made it to the playoffs two times (2001, 2003) and had a 6-0 record under Coach Ryan in playoff games. In 2001, the New England Patriots faced off against the St. Louis Rams in Super Bowl XXXVI and the Patriots, under the direction of head coach Bill Belichick, won 20-17. In 2003, the New England Patriots faced off against the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl XXXVIII and the Patriots, under the direction of head coach Bill Belichick, won 32-29.
Mark "Bo" Pelini
Pelini was the linebackers coach for the New England Patriots in the 1997-1999 seasons, a total of three years. The team made it to the playoffs two times (1997-1998) and had a 1-2 record under Coach Pelini in playoff games.
Dante Scarnecchia
Scarnecchia was the linebackers coach for the New England Patriots in the 1995-1996 seasons, a total of two years. The team made it to the playoffs one time (1996) and had a 2-1 record under Coach Scarnecchia in playoff games. In 1996, the New England Patriots faced off against the Green Bay Packers in Super Bowl XXXI and the Patriots, under the direction of head coach Bill Parcells, lost 21-35.
Al Groh
Groh was the linebackers coach for the New England Patriots in the 1993-1996 seasons, a total of four years. The team made it to the playoffs two times (1994, 1996) and had a 2-2 record under Coach Groh in playoff games. In 1996, the New England Patriots faced off against the Green Bay Packers in Super Bowl XXXI and the Patriots, under the direction of head coach Bill Parcells, lost 21-35.
Steve Nelson
Nelson was the linebackers coach for the New England Patriots in the 1990 season. Nelson's record as the team's linebackers coach was 1-15-0, making him the least successful linebackers coach in New England Patriots history.
Don Blackmon
Blackmon was the linebackers coach for the New England Patriots in the 1989-1990 seasons, a total of two years. Blackmon's record as the team's linebackers coach was 6-26-0, making him the third-least successful linebackers coach in New England Patriots history.
Don Shinnick
Shinnick was the linebackers coach for the New England Patriots in the 1985-1989 seasons, a total of five years. The team made it to the playoffs two times (1985-1986) and had a 3-2 record under Coach Shinnick in playoff games. In 1985, the New England Patriots faced off against the Chicago Bears in Super Bowl XX and the Patriots, under the direction of head coach Raymond Berry, lost 10-46.
Steve Sidwell
Sidwell was the linebackers coach for the New England Patriots in the 1982-1984 seasons, a total of three years. The team made it to the playoffs one time (1982) and had a 0-1 record under Coach Sidwell in playoff games.
Tommy Brasher
Brasher was the linebackers coach for the New England Patriots in the 1982-1984 seasons, a total of three years. The team made it to the playoffs one time (1982) and had a 0-1 record under Coach Brasher in playoff games.
Rick Lantz
Lantz was the linebackers coach for the New England Patriots in the 1981 season. Lantz's record as the team's linebackers coach was 2-14-0, making him the second-least successful linebackers coach in New England Patriots history.
Bill Parcells
Parcells was the linebackers coach for the New England Patriots in the 1980 season.
John Meyer
Meyer was the linebackers coach for the Boston Patriots and New England Patriots in the 1969-1972 seasons, a total of four years.
Rommie Loudd
Loudd was the linebackers coach for the Boston Patriots in the 1966 season.
Jerry Smith
Smith was the linebackers coach for the Boston Patriots in the 1960 season.
New England Patriots linebackers coach record
| Coach | Years | Record | Win percentage | Playoff record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dont'a Hightower | 2024 | 2-6-0 | 25.0% | 0-0 |
| Steve Belichick | 2023 | 4-13-0 | 23.5% | 0-0 |
| Jerod Mayo | 2023 | 4-13-0 | 23.5% | 0-0 |
| Brian Flores | 2017-2018 | 24-8-0 | 75.0% | 5-1 |
| Patrick Graham | 2011, 2014-2015 | 37-11-0 | 77.1% | 6-2 |
| Pepper Johnson | 2012-2013 | 24-8-0 | 75.0% | 2-2 |
| Matt Patricia | 2006-2010 | 63-17-0 | 78.8% | 4-4 |
| Dean Pees | 2004-2005 | 24-8-0 | 75.0% | 4-1 |
| Rob Ryan | 2000-2003 | 39-25-0 | 60.9% | 6-0 |
| Mark "Bo" Pelini | 1997-1999 | 27-21-0 | 56.3% | 1-2 |
| Al Groh | 1993-1996 | 32-32-0 | 50.0% | 2-2 |
| Dante Scarnecchia | 1995-1996 | 17-15-0 | 53.1% | 2-1 |
| Don Blackmon | 1989-1990 | 6-26-0 | 18.8% | 0-0 |
| Steve Nelson | 1990 | 1-15-0 | 6.3% | 0-0 |
| Don Shinnick | 1985-1989 | 44-35-0 | 55.7% | 3-2 |
| Tommy Brasher | 1982-1984 | 22-19-0 | 53.7% | 0-1 |
| Steve Sidwell | 1982-1984 | 22-19-0 | 53.7% | 0-1 |
| Rick Lantz | 1981 | 2-14-0 | 12.5% | 0-0 |
| Bill Parcells | 1980 | 10-6-0 | 62.5% | 0-0 |
| John Meyer | 1969-1972 | 15-41-0 | 26.8% | 0-0 |
| Rommie Loudd | 1966 | 8-4-2 | 64.3% | 0-0 |
| Jerry Smith | 1960 | 5-9-0 | 35.7% | 0-0 |
New England Patriots linebackers coach facts
- Jerry Smith was the first linebackers coach in Patriots history in 1960.
- Don Shinnick and Matt Patricia coached the most seasons as the Patriots's linebackers coach at five seasons.
- Dont'a Hightower is the current linebackers coach, starting ahead of the 2024 season.