Highsmith served as the head football coach at Texas Southern University from 1989 to 1993, compiling a record of 19–34–2.
[1] After retiring, Highsmith remained in the Montreal area and worked as a physical education teacher in the West Island.
In 1980, he moved to Florida to become a teacher and football coach at Miami Edison Senior High School.
[2] He then served as the defensive coordinator at Florida A&M until 1989, when he became the head football coach at Texas Southern.
[3] Over five seasons, he compiled a 19–34–2 record and coached 22 players who signed NFL contracts, including Pro Football Hall of Famer Michael Strahan.