Ex-New England Patriots Player, Coach Coby Tippett's Lessons from The Field, The Sidelines, Beyond | 4 Downs Guest
Matt Lombardo is on vacation through July 18, and he reached out to several current and former NFL players, reporters, and analysts to tell their stories and lend their insights while he’s away. Today, it’s former New England Patriots coach, Coby Tippett, who shares what football has meant to his life and what’s next on his journey.
By Coby Tippett
Football has been more than a game for me.
It has been a teacher, a proving ground, and a lifelong source of purpose. My journey began at age seven in Pop Warner, continued through championship seasons at Xaverian Brothers High School and Cheshire Academy, and took me from college stadiums to NFL facilities, training camps, and coaching roles.
Along the way, I’ve learned from exceptional mentors, faced tough lessons, and discovered that true success is about far more than wins and losses.
This is my story—and the lessons I carry with me every day.
Family: My Foundation and Support System
My journey wouldn’t have been possible without my family.
They’ve been my foundation through every high and low.
My mother, Rhonda Tippett, and my father, Andre Tippett, modeled on hard work, humility, and support. My father’s Hall of Fame career showed me what relentless dedication can achieve, but more importantly, my parents taught me to stay grounded.
My sisters—Janea, Asia, and Madison—have always supported me, celebrating my victories and helping me navigate my setbacks. They remind me that no matter where football takes me, my family will always be home.
Beginnings: Learning the Game at Towson and Rhode Island
My college football career began at Towson University, where I experienced the intensity, structure, and demands of a competitive program. There, I learned discipline, forged lifelong bonds, and understood the level of commitment required to succeed. Seeking a greater challenge, I transferred to the University of Rhode Island.
Adjusting to new coaches, teammates, and systems wasn’t easy, but it taught me resilience, humility, and the value of embracing change in pursuit of growth.
The NFL Opportunity: Patriots Minicamp in 2022
In 2022, I received the chance of a lifetime: an invitation to the New England Patriots rookie minicamp.
Walking into Gillette Stadium as a player was a dream realized after years of work.
It was also a masterclass in professionalism and preparation.
Observing Coach Bill Belichick firsthand was an education in itself. His attention to detail, strategic thinking, and unwavering commitment to excellence set a standard I’ll always strive to meet.
Though my time there was brief, the lessons I learned left a lasting impression about what it takes to succeed at the highest level.
Mentors and Influences in the Game
I’ve been fortunate to learn from some of the best minds in football throughout my life.
Growing up around the game gave me access to conversations with legends like Tom Brady, Devin McCourty, Matthew Slater, and Vince Wilfork, whose leadership and insights into preparation and culture were invaluable. Sitting in on both team meetings and staff meetings led by Coach Bill Belichick showed me what elite leadership truly looks like, with his unmatched ability to set expectations, manage details, and build a unified vision.
Attending defensive meetings with Matt Patricia taught me how to simplify complex schemes and communicate them clearly.
I also benefited from meaningful conversations with legendary offensive line coach Dante Scarnecchia and respected running backs coach Ivan Fears, whose generosity in sharing their decades of knowledge was eye-opening and whose guidance shaped how I view the game and my relationships with players.
Beyond those formal settings, I learned so much from coaches and staff at the Patriots facility who were always willing to share their time and experience.
Each of them offered lessons in strategy, teaching, and building a team the right way, shaping not only how I understand the game, but also how I want to teach and lead in any environment.
The XFL Experience: Arlington Renegades and Houston Roughnecks
When the NFL door closed, I wasn’t ready to walk away.
I joined the Arlington Renegades in the XFL training camp under Bob Stoops, a legendary coach and former teammate of my father at the University of Iowa.
Hearing their stories about Hayden Fry’s program created a special bond and offered valuable lessons.
After my release from the Renegades, I was picked up by the Houston Roughnecks, coached by defensive mastermind Wade Phillips. He was exceptional at turning complex defensive concepts into clear, teachable lessons. Even in a short time, I learned insights that changed how I see the game. Being released late in camp forced me to reflect deeply.
I realized that even if I couldn’t play forever, I wanted to stay involved in football however I could.
Finding My Path: From Playing to Coaching
When I decided to transition from playing to coaching, one of the first people I called was Jerod Mayo—a friend and mentor I deeply respect.
He offered essential advice and guidance that helped me find the right path. I was thankful to have the chance to intern with the New England Patriots, giving me the opportunity to learn from one of the NFL’s most respected organizations.
During my time there, I focused on the defensive side of the ball, learning to break down film, understanding complex schemes, and help prepare players at the highest level.
I also assisted special teams, working closely with Joe Judge. His detailed approach to situational football expanded my understanding of the game’s third phase and reinforced the importance of precision in every aspect of preparation. That internship gave me a strong foundation in coaching and confirmed my passion for teaching and developing players.
Building Experience: Tufts University Coaching
After my Patriots internship, I joined Jay Civetti’s staff at Tufts University as the cornerbacks coach and special team’s assistant. Coaching in the NESCAC was incredibly rewarding.
The players were smart, dedicated, and passionate about the game. Coach Civetti was an outstanding mentor who helped me develop as a young coach, teaching me to communicate clearly and motivate effectively.
I also worked closely with Justin Manning, our defensive coordinator, whose passion and energy for the game were contagious. He wasn’t just a great teacher of defensive football, but also someone I consider a true friend. Learning from him was instrumental in my growth and showed me the impact of leading with both knowledge and genuine enthusiasm for the sport.
Coming Full Circle: Joining the Patriots Staff
After the 2023 season at Tufts, I was ready for a new challenge.
That’s when Jerod Mayo, newly named head coach of the New England Patriots, called and asked if I’d join his staff.
I stillremember exactly where I was when the phone rang. As soon as I saw his name pop up, I felt a jolt of anticipation—I had an idea what it might be about but hearing him say it was somethingelse.
He shared his vision for the team, the culture he wanted to build, and how he thought Icould contribute. My heart was pounding with every word. This was the NFL. This was the Patriots. And even more meaningful for me, it was the chance to do it in New England—where I’ve always felt at home.
Getting that opportunity, with a team and community that mean so much to me, was a no-brainer. Saying “yes” was easy, and I was riding that excitement for days afterward.
Returning to the NFL as a coach was a dream come true.
Working as a special team’s coaching assistant under Jeremy Springer and Tom Quinn was invaluable. Their experience, teaching styles, and commitment to their craft taught me lessons I’ll carry throughout my career.
In this role, I was responsible for breaking down opponent film each week, helping to identify tendencies and prepare our game plans. I ran meetings with our rookies and scout team players to make sure they understood their assignments and the importance of their roles. On the field during practice, I coordinated our scout team looks and drills to replicate what we’d face on Sunday, ensuring we were as prepared and detailed as possible.
I’m especially grateful to Coach Mayo for believing in me and opening that door.
Reflections on the Journey
Football has given me far more than a title or a job. It has given me friendships, mentors, and experiences that shaped my values and perspective.
From college ball to NFL minicamp, the XFL, college coaching, and the NFL sidelines—it’s been a journey full of challenges and growth.
Every step taught me something valuable: preparation is essential, humility matters, communication is powerful, and learning never stops.
Carrying It Forward
The lessons I’ve learned from football will stay with me for life. The game has taught me resilience, discipline, teamwork, and leadership—qualities that matter in every aspect of life.
I’m deeply grateful to my family, coaches, teammates, and mentors who shared their time, wisdom, and belief in me. Their guidance shaped me as both a player and a teacher of the game.
As I look ahead, I know these experiences will continue to guide me.
My goal is simple: to honor the game that has given me so much, respect those who taught me, and use what I’ve learned to make a positive impact wherever life leads next.
Grateful for every step of the journey.
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Congrats Coby. Your journey in the greatest game is impressive and your relentless work ethic, mental resilience and unwavering support of family and friends is an inspiration for success. Keep writing your story…the best is yet to come.