Tag: Larry Izzo

Commanders sign former Pro Bowl LB to practice squad

Commanders add a former Pro Bowler to the practice squad.

When the Washington Commanders finalized their 53-man roster last week, they followed up by quickly announcing their practice squad. Every NFL team can have 16 players on the practice squad unless you have someone from the International Player Pathway Program, allowing you to carry 17 players.

Washington has someone from the IPPP (DT Haggai Ndubuisi), but only 15 players were announced.

On Monday, the Commanders added another player to the practice squad: Linebacker Nick Bellore. Bellore, 35, is an 14-year NFL veteran, most recently with the Seattle Seahawks, where he made the Pro Bowl twice as a special teams player.

In Washington, Bellore reunites with his former position coach with the Seahawks, Larry Izzo. Izzo is Washington’s special teams coach and spent the previous six seasons in Seattle.

Bellore played collegiately at Central Michigan and went undrafted in the 2011 NFL draft. He initially signed with the New York Jets and spent four seasons there before spending two years in San Francisco and two more in Detroit. He signed with the Seahawks in 2019.

Bellore has much in common with Izzo, as both had long NFL careers as special team standouts.

Commanders Larry Izzo wants guys who run and hit

New Commanders STs coach Larry Izzo has deep ties to the area.

Apparently, Commanders fans asked for Larry Izzo to be a guest interview on the “Command Center” show.

Izzo, the newly hired Commanders special teams coach, appeared recently on the “Command Center” with host Bryan Colbert Jr.

“I’m very touched by that; it’s awesome,” responded Izzo.

Izzo is a local DMV guy. He attended Broad Run High School (Loudoun County) before moving to Texas. The area has grown tremendously, and Izzo said it has changed so much in the 34 years since he left that he doesn’t recognize it.

“What shaped me as a young football player, started here in Ashburn. We had a great coaching staff. They developed me growing into that role I was in. I played in the lower Loudoun football league in eighth grade and coach Jerry Smith at Broad Run. I still talk to these guys, so it is cool to be back.”

Izzo talked of remembering growing up here when the Redskins were winning Super Bowls, and he himself played for three New England Patriots Super Bowl Championship teams (2001, 2003, 2004).

Like rookie Luke McCaffrey, Izzo played his college ball at Rice. He said he knew the only way he was going to make it onto an NFL roster was by making a mark on special teams. How good was Larry Izzo?

“Special teams is everything to me,” said Izzo.  We always tell the young guys, special teams is going to be the easiest path to the roster to carve out a role. In my career I learned, special teams, that’s how you eat.”

Izzo has played on winning and losing Super Bowl teams and coached on a winning N.Y. Giants team.

“I am looking for dudes that want to run and hit. They want to play fast and physical. That is how we are going to play. Then, guys that really want to be out there, understand their role, have a team-first mentality. Whatever they can do to help the team win, they are going to do it.”

Commanders special teams coach Larry Izzo talks challenge of the new kickoff rules

Larry Izzo discusses the new kickoff rule.

Larry Izzo was an undrafted, undersized linebacker when he entered the NFL in 1996. He would go on to have a 14-year playing career, win four Super Bowls, and be named to the Pro Bowl three times.

In the late 1990s and throughout the 2010s, Izzo was regarded as the NFL’s preeminent special-teams player. Shortly after his playing career ended, Izzo jumped into coaching. After spending the past six seasons with the Seattle Seahawks, Izzo came to Washington as Dan Quinn’s special teams coach.

In addition to coaching a new team, there was a significant rule change involving special teams this offseason.

Here’s a lengthy explanation of the new rule from the NFL.

How is Izzo managing to coach his new team while adjusting to the new rule?

“That’s one thing that we’re working through on a daily basis here, 24/7, is to try to try to figure this play out as fast as we can,” Izzo said this week, per Zach Selby of commanders.com. “We look at it as a little bit of a race against time. You’re competing against all the other teams here that are in the same boat.

The new rules could also impact Washington’s roster moves. The purpose of the new kickoff rule—which came from the XFL (now UFL)—was to decrease injuries while increasing the number of returns.

The Commanders will need a punt returner and someone who can return kicks, too. You can add that to Izzo’s list this summer.

This epic Tom Brady beer-chugging story is a must-listen

Never challenge Tom Brady to a beer-chugging contest

New England Patriots legend Tom Brady might be known as the greatest quarterback of all time, but he also might be one of the greatest beer-chuggers as well.

Yes, the unassuming seven-time Super Bowl champion, who is now notorious for the TB12 diet and avocado ice cream, can throw back a beer like you wouldn’t believe.

When appearing on Julian Edelman’s “Games with Names” podcast, former Patriots offensive tackle Matt Light shared a story of Brady being challenged by three-time Pro Bowl linebacker Larry Izzo to a beer-chugging contest.

Light assumed Izzo was going to destroy Brady, but once the pitchers turned upside down, the end result was shocking.

“I remember Izzo challenged Brady, and I’m thinking, ‘Dude, Izzo is going to smoke this cat,” said Light. “It was back when they had the pitchers. I remember Tommy put that thing back, and I’m like, ‘Oh, my God.’ This kid’s a gamer. Gamer, bring it on.”

Brady has shown off his hidden beer-chugging talent before, during a past visit to “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.”

One would think people would have learned by now to never judge a book by its cover, especially when it comes to Brady, who was selected with the 199th pick of the 2000 NFL draft.

No competition is safe from a guy like that.

NFL adopts new kickoff rule for 2024

The NFL hopes the new rule will lead to more returns. Who could the Commanders turn to as their kick returner in 2024?

The kickoff was once one of the most exciting plays in the NFL. However, with all the injuries over the years, rules were adopted that minimized the kickoff in recent years.

On Tuesday, the NFL owners approved a new hybrid rule that completely changes the kickoff in hopes of making it an important part of the game again but also keeping it safe.

Here’s this directly from the NFL:

  • By Competition Committee; for one year only, amends Rule 6, to create a new form of a free kick play that is designed to: (1) resemble a typical scrimmage play by aligning players on both teams closer together and restricting movement to reduce space and speed; and (2) promote more returns. Permits the Replay Official automatically review whether a free kick legally touched the ground or a receiving team player in the landing zone.

Essentially, the 2024 season is a trial run for this new rule and the league will reexamine again next March.

NFL.com went more in-depth on the new rule.

Kickoffs will remain at the 35-yard line, but the remaining 10 players on the kicking unit will line up at the opposing team’s 40-yard line. The receiving team lines up with at least seven players in the “set-up zone,” a five-yard area between their own 35- and 30-yard lines, with a maximum of two returners can line up in the landing zone.

After the ball is kicked, the kicker cannot cross the 50-yard line and the 10 kicking team players cannot move until the ball hits the ground or a player in the landing zone or goes into the end zone. The receiving team’s players in the set-up zone also cannot move until the kick has hit the ground or a player in the landing zone or the end zone. The returner(s) may move at any time before or during the kickoff.

Penalties on scoring plays also will not carry over and will be taken on the point after attempt. On any penalty that carries over to kickoffs, the set-up and landing zones will not change, nor will the alignment of the 10 kickoff team players and all the receiving team players — only the kicker’s positioning move.

Kickoff scenarios:

  • Kickoffs that hit the landing zone must be returned.
  • Kickoffs that hit the landing zone and then go into the end zone must be returned or downed by the receiving team. If downed, the receiving team would get the ball at its own 20-yard line.
  • Kickoffs that go into the end zone and stay inbounds that are downed would give the receiving team the ball at their own 30-yard line. Kickoffs that go out of the back of the end zone (in the air or bounces) would also be a touchback at the receiving team’s 30-yard line.
  • Kickoffs short of the landing zone would be treated like a kickoff out of bounds, and the receiving team would get the ball at its own 40-yard line.

The legislation also will lead to a tweak in onside kicks, which can only occur in the fourth quarter and onward when a team trails. The kicking team must declare its intent to onside kick.

On the same day as the NFL approved the kickoff rule, the Pittsburgh Steelers signed one of the NFL’s best returners, Cordarrelle Patterson, to a two-year deal. The 33-year-old is entering his 12th NFL season in 2024 and has 22 career receiving touchdowns, 16 rushing touchdowns and has returned nine kickoffs for touchdowns. When you consider how the league has limited the kickoff in recent years, those nine touchdowns are impressive.

Will Washington Commanders general manager Adam Peters add a dynamic player to the roster in hopes of boosting the team’s kick return game? Antonio Gibson returned kickoff the past two seasons, but he is gone. Veteran wide receiver Jamison Crowder returned punts in 2023, but is unlikely to return kicks.

A name to watch is Kazmeir Allen. Undrafted out of UCLA last season, Allen remained on Washington’s practice squad all of last season. He re-signed with the Commanders this offseason. During his time at UCLA, Allen returned 39 kickoffs at an average of 27 yards per return and had one touchdown.

Washington’s new special teams coach, Larry Izzo, is one of the NFL’s best and will certainly look to prioritize the return game in 2024.

Seahawks ST coordinator Jay Harbaugh on what he’s learned from his dad

Here’s what Harbaugh said when he was asked what he’s learned from his dad.

Earlier this week the Seahawks introduced their three new coordinators to the media in a press conference at the VMAC. First up to speak was special teams coordinator Jay Harbaugh, who will be getting his first experience as a coordinator at the NFL level. He had previously worked with new head coach Mike Macdonald on the Ravens as their offensive quality control coach back in 2012-2014.

Most of Harbaugh’s coaching experience has been paired with that of his father Jim, who was the Seahawks’ greatest nemesis in the Legion of Boom years when he was head coach of the 49ers. From 2015 all the way up to this past season when they won the national title, Jay served in a ton of different roles under his dad at Michigan.

Here’s what Harbaugh said when he was asked what he’s learned from his dad.

Harbaugh takes over a relatively strong special teams unit that had performed well the last few seasons under Larry Izzo. If they can find a more dynamic kick and punt returner to replace DeeJay Dallas this might become one of the best units in the league.

As for Jim, he’s left Michigan and returned to the NFL, taking over as the new head coach of the Chargers.

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Here is the Commanders’ coaching staff for 2024

Introducing Washington’s 2024 coaching staff.

The Washington Commanders appear close to having a full coaching staff. New head coach Dan Quinn has assembled an impressive coaching staff over the past two weeks, adding three more names on Wednesday.

Washington hired Anthony Lynn, the former Chargers head coach and current 49ers assistant head coach and running backs coach, to coach running backs and lead the running game. Additionally, the Commanders hired Tom Donatell (defensive backs) and Darryl Tapp (defensive line) to complete the staff.

From all indications, everyone around the NFL believes Quinn has hired an elite staff. Washington hired two former head coaches and three former coordinators (four, if you count special teams coach Larry Izzo). There were concerns about some positions, and the Commanders alleviated those concerns by layering them with another tremendous hire.

Washington returns four coaches from last season’s staff, including franchise legend Ryan Kerrigan.

Here is the Commanders’ 2024 coaching staff.

Note: We will add anyone Washington announces that isn’t on this list.

Commanders coach Dan Quinn on his staff: ‘There are people that really, really want to be here’

Dan Quinn is putting together an impressive staff with more moves to come.

When the Washington Commanders were in the middle of their search for a new head coach, and analysts weighed the positives and negatives of each potential candidate, one thing stood out about Dan Quinn.

Most everyone believed Quinn could put together a quality coaching staff.

Quinn got the job, and the day after Washington officially announced his hiring, his first staff hire was revealed: Offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury.

Kingsbury, the former head coach of the Arizona Cardinals, spent the 2023 season as an analyst for the UCLA Trojans. He interviewed for the offensive coordinator positions with the Las Vegas Raiders and Chicago Bears.

Around the NFL, it was viewed as an impressive get for Quinn. Shortly after, Quinn hired former Cowboys secondary coach Joe Whitt Jr. as his defensive coordinator. Whitt was one of the finalists in Dallas to replace Quinn but chose Washington instead of formally interviewing with the Cowboys.

On Thursday, Quinn continued to add to his staff by hiring former Eagles offensive coordinator Brian Johnson in a prominent role. The Commanders also added former Raiders and Packers assistant Jason Simmons as the defensive pass-game coordinator.

The hits kept coming on Friday when it was revealed Washington was expected to hire Larry Izzo as special teams coordinator. A former Pro Bowl player, Izzo has been outstanding, leading the Seahawks’ special teams for the past three seasons.

After Izzo’s potential agreement, Quinn has unofficially hired seven assistant coaches. He has several other positions to fill, but he doesn’t believe that will be a problem.

In an appearance on “The Chris Russell Show” on Team 980, Quinn said others want to be on his coaching staff.

“There are people that really, really want to be here,” Quinn said. “And that should speak to where this organization is headed and what’s going down because people feel that energy that’s going to come on. So, behind the scenes, you and the fans would be pumped to know that people are really pushing to be a part of this.”

Quinn’s hires thus far prove he’s correct. Former head coach Ron Rivera often hired his buddies, while Quinn is going after the best.

The times have indeed changed.

6 things to know about new Commanders’ special teams coach Larry Izzo

Six things to know about Larry Izzo, including a surprising reason he received a game ball from Bill Belichick.

New Washington head coach Dan Quinn is wasting no time in putting together an impressive coaching staff.

Shortly after the Commanders officially announced his hiring on Saturday, it was revealed that Quinn had hired former Cardinals head coach Kliff Kingsbury as his offensive coordinator. Dallas’ former secondary coach, Joe Whitt Jr., then followed Quinn to Washington to be his defensive coordinator.

On Friday, Ben Standig of The Athletic reported that the Commanders were hiring Larry Izzo as their special teams coordinator.

Quinn isn’t playing around. Izzo is considered one of the NFL’s best special teams coaches.

Want to learn more about Izzo? Here are six things to know about Dan Quinn.

Commanders hire Larry Izzo as special teams coordinator

Larry Izzo is a former Pro Bowl player with plenty of success as a coach in the NFL.

New Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn continues to add to his impressive coaching staff.

One day after adding former Eagles offensive coordinator Brian Johnson to a prominent role and hiring Jason Simmons as defensive pass-game coordinator, Quinn has found his special teams coordinator.

Per Ben Standig of The Athletic, the Commanders are hiring Seattle Seahawks special teams coordinator Larry Izzo.

Izzo, 49, enjoyed a 14-year NFL career that ended in 2009. A linebacker, Izzo made his mark on special teams, earning three trips to the Pro Bowl and was named first-team All-Pro in 2004. He also has three Super Bowl rings from his time with the New England Patriots.

After retirement, Izzo started coaching in 2011 as an assistant special teams coach with the New York Giants. He stayed with the Giants in that role for five seasons before heading to Houston to become the special teams coordinator for the next two seasons.

In 2018, he moved to the Seahawks, first as assistant special teams coach for three seasons. He was promoted to special teams coordinator in 2021 and has experienced tremendous success.

According to FTN’s special teams DVOA metric, the Seahawks finished fifth, fourth, and eighth, respectively, over the past three seasons.

Izzo, who hails from The Woodlands, Texas, played collegiately at Rice. However, he has local ties. Izzo played his first two years of high school football at Broad Run in Ashburn.

While the Commanders still have several holes to fill, Quinn has now hired seven coaches for his staff.