3 things to know about Chicago Bears ST coordinator Richard Hightower

2. Richard Hightower Coached offense and defense

Special teams were always his game. As noted, he also earned his keep as a player by being a special teams stud at Texas. You have to know and love the game to get that far on that unit. Still, throughout his run to this position, he was able to bounce around from place to place and position to position.

In 2009, he was the Minnesota Goldengophers Wide receivers coach. It was only one year, so he was not responsible, but he did coach Eric Decker during his time. When Shanahan was the offensive coordinator in Cleveland he got Hightower onto his staff as an offensive quality control coach.

Beyond that, when Kyle’s dad, Mike was the head coach in Washington he had Hightower work as an assistant defensive backs coach.

It is essentially two years of offensive coaching work and two years of defensive coaching work. While his role will be in special teams, it is good to get a strong sense of both sides of the ball. The last few roster spots will come down to special teams and Hightower having a feel for if his special team’s players can also impact the game on one side will go a long way.