Patriots hiring longtime NFL executive Alonzo Highsmith to front-office role, per report:
Job Snapshot
The New England Patriots have hired longtime NFL executive and former player Alonzo Highsmith to their front office, alongside director of scouting Eliot Wolf. Highsmith and Wolf previously worked together in the Packers’ front office, and their arrival suggests an increasing influence for Wolf within the Patriots organization. Highsmith brings 23 years of experience in NFL front offices, including time as a college scout and positions with the Green Bay Packers and Cleveland Browns. His addition follows a series of coaching hires with connections to Wolf. Owner Robert Kraft is taking time to evaluate the team’s top personnel evaluators after parting ways with head coach Bill Belichick.
Understand The Job
The New England Patriots are making big moves in their front office with the addition of longtime NFL executive and former player Alonzo Highsmith. According to The Athletic, Highsmith’s role within the organization is yet to be determined, but his arrival signals the growing influence of Patriots director of scouting Eliot Wolf.
Highsmith and Wolf have a history of working together, having climbed the ranks of the Green Bay Packers’ front office from 2004-2017 before both left for Cleveland for a two-season stint. Wolf later joined the Patriots in 2020 as a consultant, while Highsmith went on to become a senior executive advisor in Seattle and eventually the general manager of football operations at the University of Miami in 2022.
With 23 years of experience in NFL front offices, Highsmith brings a wealth of knowledge to the Patriots. He initially entered the league as the No. 3 overall pick in the 1987 draft as a running back out of Miami. Despite his standout college career, Highsmith’s NFL playing days lasted just six seasons.
Highsmith’s addition comes on the heels of several coaching hires with connections to Wolf. The Patriots recently brought on former Browns offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt, who has since brought in ex-Giants head coach and Packers assistant Ben McAdoo, and ex-Browns assistant T.C. McCartney to join the coaching staff as the new quarterbacks coach.
Inside the Patriots front office, director of player personnel Matt Groh remains the top holdover from the Bill Belichick era. Groh, who led a contingent of scouts to the Senior Bowl, has a background primarily in college scouting and has only ever worked in New England.
The addition of Highsmith and the continued presence of Wolf and Groh signal a new era for the Patriots’ front office following the departure of head coach Bill Belichick, who also had final say over the roster. Owner Robert Kraft has expressed a desire to take more time to evaluate his top personnel evaluators, and it seems that Highsmith, Wolf, and Groh will play pivotal roles in shaping the future of the Patriots organization.
The Patriots’ front office shake-up is sure to have a ripple effect across the NFL, and fans are eager to see how the new leadership will guide the team in the coming seasons.
Source: www.bostonherald.com
Success Tips
2. Tailor your resume and cover letter: Customize your application materials to highlight your relevant experience in NFL front offices and emphasize any connections or similarities you have with Alonzo Highsmith, Eliot Wolf, or the Patriots organization.
3. Network with current employees: Reach out to current employees of the Patriots organization on professional networking sites like LinkedIn to gain insights into the company culture, expectations for the role, and potential interview tips.
4. Showcase your scouting experience: Given Highsmith’s background in college scouting, emphasize your experience and success in this area. Provide specific examples of players you scouted who went on to have successful NFL careers.
5. Prepare for the interview: Research common interview questions for front office positions in the NFL and practice your responses. Be prepared to discuss your experience, problem-solving abilities, and your vision for the future of the Patriots’ front office.
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