49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan and Hightower were teammates at the University of Texas and then served on the same staffs with the Houston Texans (2006-08), Washington Redskins (2010-13), and Cleveland Browns (2014). While Hightower has never been a coordinator, he has been a member of the 49ers coaching staff before. He served as the team's assistant special teams coach in 2015.
During that season with the 49ers, Hightower helped the punt coverage unit rank eighth in the NFL allowing just 6.4 yards per return, while working with rookie punter Bradley Pinion. Kicker Phil Dawson was 10th in the NFL with an 88.9 field goal percentage, which tied for the fourth-highest percentage of his 17-year career.
Hightower joined the Chicago staff in January of 2016.
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
Nick Sorensen a candidate for 49ers' special teams coordinator; Brandon Staley to interview for defensive coordinatorÂ
During the San Francisco 49ers' end-of-season press conference, head coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed that Nick Sorensen would not return as the team's defensive coordinator in 2025. "First of all, it was a real tough decision," Shanahan said. "I love Nick as a person, and I love... -
49ers fire special teams coordinator Brian Schneider
The San Francisco 49ers have made their first notable coaching change of the offseason. According to ESPN's Nick Wagoner, the team has fired special teams coordinator Brian Schneider. The #49ers have fired special teams coordinator Brian Schneider, sources tell ESPN.—... -
49ers complete interview with Jett Modkins for special teams coordinator role
The San Francisco 49ers have announced that they have completed an interview with Detroit Lions assistant special teams coach Jett Modkins for the team's vacant special teams coordinator position. The 49ers have completed an interview with Jett Modkins for the team's Special... -
49ers interview Broncos assistant Chris Banjo for special teams coordinator job
The San Francisco 49ers are continuing their search to replace recently fired special teams coordinator Brian Schneider. On Sunday, the team interviewed Detroit Lions assistant special teams coach Jett Modkins for the position. Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports that the...