Tag: special teams coordinator

Oklahoma Sooners set to make special teams coordinator hire

The Oklahoma Sooners appear set to hire a special teams coordinator per report.

It looks like the Oklahoma Sooners have found their next special teams coordinator.

After Jay Nunez left OU for Alabama, the Sooners had a position on staff to fill. Brent Venables and the Sooners have reportedly zeroed in on San Diego State special teams coach Doug Deakin.

According to Collin Kennedy and Matt Zenitz of 247Sports, Oklahoma and Deakin are closing in on a deal.

The Oklahoma Sooners are closing in on another potential key hire for the football program. According to sources, Sooners Illustrated on the 247Sports Network has learned that OU has zeroed in on Doug Deakin, formerly of San Diego State, as its next special teams analyst hire.  — Collin Kennedy, 247Sports and Sooners Illustrated

Deakin has spent the last 17 years with San Diego State in a variety of roles after starting his playing career with the Aztecs as as walk on. For the last six seasons, he’s coached one of the best special teams units in the country. According to the San Diego State football website, the Aztecs finished in the top 10 in ESPN’s special teams efficiency rating each of the last three seasons.

In 2023, under Deakin’s coaching, Jack Browning was a second-team All-Mountain West performer and a semifinalist for both the Ray Guy and Lou Groza awards. Returners Mekhi Shaw and Kenan Christon earned all-conference honorable mention honors.

In 2022, Jordan Byrd was the only player in the Football Bowl Subdivision to return a kick and a punt for a touchdown. Byrd earned All-MWC first-team honors as both a kick and punt returner.

In 2021, Matt Araiza won the Ray Guy Award, given to the nation’s best punter.

Doug Deakin has a strong track record of success during his time as a special teams coach. Special teams was an issue for OU in 2023. In every facet of special teams play, the Sooners underwhelmed at different times during the season.

Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes and opinions. You can also follow John on X @john9williams.

Bucs interview two coaches for vacant special teams opening

The Bucs have begun their interview process to replace special teams coordinator Keith Armstrong after his retirement.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers may have hired offensive coordinator Liam Coen, but that doesn’t mean that they’re done in the hiring cycle — far from it, in fact.

The team has another position to fill, seeking a new special teams coach after the retirement of their previous one in Keith Armstrong. The Bucs are officially looking to fill that void, interviewing two candidates for the job on Monday — former New York Giants special teams coordinator Thomas McGaughey and former Tennessee Titans special teams coordinator Craig Aukerman.

McGaughey was most recently the Giants’ special teams coordinator, serving at the position from 2018-23. Counting college teams as well, he’s served as special teams coordinator for five different teams over the course of his coaching career. He was fired by the Giants on Jan. 8 alongside offensive coordinator Mike Kafka. Defensive coordinator Wink Martindale mutually parted ways with the Giants two days later.

Interestingly enough, Craig Aukerman also has been a special teams coordinator from 2018-23. He served at that position with the Tennessee Titans, and he was fired by Tennessee after a particualrly brutal special teams breakdown against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 13 of the regular season.

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Chiefs Dave Toub comments on latest news regarding NFL kickoff returns

Kansas City #Chiefs special teams coordinator Dave Toub comments on the latest news regarding kickoff returns in the NFL.

The NFL continues to evolve annually with changes to help enhance the product and keep players safe. Changes to the kickoff process have limited serious injuries as teams, including the Kansas City Chiefs, could be in for more changes after December’s league meetings.

“I think kickoff stats, they speak for themselves,” NFL executive V.P. of officiating Troy Vincent said. “It’s a dead, ceremonial play today.”

Chiefs special teams coordinator Dave Toub addressed the potential new change to the kickoff process during Wednesday’s press conference.

“I don’t think they’ll ever gonna take it away,” Toub explained. “I’m among those guys on that committee, and I know Troy (Vincent) doesn’t want to take kickoff away. I know that’s not his goal. He understands that it’s becoming a play that people fair catch, and it’s not an important play.

“But, the NFL rule would put coaching back [into play] because now you got to every check, you got to cover and tackle. So that’s definitely something that we’re going to look at. It could possibly come down to that maybe next year or the year after. We’re definitely gonna look at it.”

The system used in the XFL has grown in popularity and continues to be suggested as the new standard in the NFL.

Chiefs coordinator Dave Toub prefers WR Richie James as primary punt returner

#Chiefs special teams coordinator Dave Toub wants wide receiver Richie James to be Kansas City’s primary punt returner.

The Kansas City Chiefs on special teams have seen a variety of options on punt returns this season. The role has been passed to several players as the unit continues to evaluate following Monday night’s loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.

Chiefs special teams coordinator Dave Toub has juggled multiple players, including an unexpected change in Week 11 due to Mecole Hardman’s injury. Kadarius Toney stepped into the role during the game, providing positive yardage, but it doesn’t appear clear it will remain his role. Toub addressed the change and his suggestion for the role in his Zoom press conference with reporters on Tuesday.

“We haven’t even gotten a report yet from our trainers; it’s so early,” Toub explained. “So we have to see how Mecole (Hardman) is. We have to see Kadarius (Toney). He runs so hard and tough that he kept getting banged up in there, too, like his hand got hurt and his foot, you know, all different things.

“We just have to wait, see, we’ll get the doctor’s report. We’ll move forward from there. But yeah, I mean, he gave us a little bit of a spark. He runs hard. You know, he’s a good catcher. He’s fearless back there. So, we’ll just have to evaluate as we go forward.”

A player expected to play that role when he signed in the offseason is Richie James, who has been dealing with injuries and was activated off of injured reserve before Week 11. He wasn’t active for the game but could play a significant factor for Toub and his unit once he’s active for a game.

“He would have to be; we would like him to be the punt returner if he’s going to be active. If he’s going to help us at all on special teams, that’s where he would have to help us,” said Toub. “Well, for me, I mean, offense, they could use him a lot of different ways. Obviously, he’s a wide receiver, but if he’s going to help me, I would use him as a punt returner. He’s not really a cover guy or gun or anything like that.”

James’ knee injury has only allowed him to play two games this season, tallying only 24 yards on six returns.

Chiefs Dave Toub addressed Lions’ successful fake punt in Week 1

Kansas City #Chiefs special teams coordinator Dave Toub addressed the Lions’ successful fake punt in Week 1. | from: @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs’ loss to the Detroit Lions on Super Bowl banner night was tough for fans of the home team to stomach. A specific situation during the game was even more difficult for long-time football coach and current special teams coordinator Dave Toub.

Toub has always been passionate about building consistency and eliminating mistakes within his special teams unit. An error occurred in the first half of the opening night loss as the Chiefs allowed a fake punt to extend the Lions’ drive, which eventually ended in the game’s opening touchdown. On Thursday, Toub shared his thoughts and frustration with reporters about the successful sneak play that caught his unit off guard.

“Yeah, we talked about it all year. Last year, we were ready for stuff,” Toub explained. “We talked about it. We know when people play us, they got to try to steal possessions. And that’s one way to do it. And we have to be, whether it’s an onside kick or a fake punt, all those different scenarios, we have to be ready for any time they have the ball in your hand, they control the situation, we have to be able to play defense, and we talk about it, we practice the heck out of it. You know, and we’re going to make a lot of those plays, but sometimes they get us, and they got us.”

The play was a big momentum swing after it appeared the Chiefs’ defense had stalled the Lion’s progress. The Chiefs need to ensure the offense has the ball more, as their chances of winning are more significant when Mahomes isn’t on the sidelines.

Broncos ST coach Ben Kotwica has used military experience in the NFL

“You’re working together and everybody is pulling together for a common goal,” Kotwica said of similarities between the military and NFL.

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Before becoming a football coach, Denver Broncos special teams coordinator Ben Kotwica spent eight years in the U.S. Army. Kotwica served as a helicopter pilot in Bosnia-Herzegovina, Korea and Iraq.

After the Broncos wrapped up minicamp last week, Kotwica was asked if there are aspects of the military that translate to football.

“There is a lot to unpack in that question,” Kotwica said on June 14. “Oftentimes, people assimilate football to war. Having been part of both and being in Iraq in 2004 and 2005 with the men and women in uniform, we were a great team. That’s where I would start — the team. You’re working together and everybody is pulling together for a common goal and you’re bringing people together from various backgrounds, ethnicities, and ages.

“When I was a commander, I had a 43-year-old war officer that was a pilot, and I had a crew chief that was 19 years old. I’ve used those experiences from the military. That’s what has been great about Coach [Sean] Payton — attention to detail, time on task, delegating authority. There is a whole plethora of things. The one thing I’ve seen here with Coach Payton is the leadership. I don’t think leadership is something you can put your finger on, but you can feel it. That’s what I’ve seen so far.”

The Broncos have a diverse coaching staff with ranges of experience that varies from 42 years (senior defensive assistant Joe Vitt) to rookie coaches (such as quarterbacks coach Davis Webb and special teams assistant Chris Banjo).

Kotwica has been coaching in the NFL since 2007, giving him 15 years of experience in the league. He’ll aim to help Denver turn its special teams units from a weakness to a strength in 2023.

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Before coaching, Broncos special teams coordinator was a helicopter pilot in U.S. Army

Before becoming a coach in the NFL, Ben Kotwica spent eight years in the U.S. Army, serving as a helicopter pilot.

Before joining the Denver Broncos as their new special teams coordinator last week, Ben Kotwica spent 15 years in the NFL and coached special teams with three different clubs.

He has an accomplished resume and will team up with new assistant head coach Mike Westhoff with the goal of helping Denver turn its special teams units around. Before becoming a coach in the NFL, Kotwica was a military helicopter pilot. From his capsule provided by the Broncos:

Kotwica was a linebacker and team captain at Army, which he captained to the most wins in team history (10-2) in 1996. A decorated officer who spent eight years in the U.S. Army after graduating from West Point, Kotwica served in Bosnia-Herzegovina, Korea and Iraq as a helicopter pilot. He was the Vikings’ nominee for the NFL’s Salute to Service award this past season and is a native of Tinley Park, Ill.

Kotwica, 48, will be joining his fifth NFL team in Denver. He most recently served as an assistant special teams coach with the Minnesota Vikings last year.

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Nick Ferguson gushes with praise for new member of Broncos’ coaching staff

Nick Ferguson is confident Mike Westhoff will help the Broncos’ special teams units get back on track.

The Denver Broncos have a new special teams coordinator in Ben Kotwica, who will work alongside new assistant head coach Mike Westhoff.

Former safety Nick Ferguson played under Westhoff with the New York Jets from 2001-2002, and he has made it clear on Twitter that he believes Westhoff was the perfect hire for Denver. Ferguson has said the Broncos’ special teams units will now be like a pack of wolves playing for the “GOAT” of special teams coaches.

Ferguson has tweeted that Westhoff demands perfection and settling for less “isn’t in his vocabulary.” He now expects the veteran coach to elevate a part of Denver’s game that has been incredibly poor in recent seasons.

When reports emerged earlier this month that the Broncos were considering asking Westhoff to come out of retirement, Ferguson quickly endorsed the coach.

Westhoff coached special teams with the Colts (1982-1984), Dolphins (1986-2000), Jets (2001-2012) and Saints (2017-2018). He overlapped with Ferguson in New York and coached under Sean Payton in New Orleans.

Ferguson played professional football from 1996-2009. In addition to playing for six NFL teams, Ferguson also spent time in NFL Europe and in the CFL. He played for the Broncos from 2003-2007 and he now works in sports radio in Denver.

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Broncos announce 16 additions to coaching staff

Sean Payton has announced 16 members of his coaching staff so far.

Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton officially announced 16 additions to his coaching staff on Saturday evening. Here are the team’s confirmed hires.

Name Position
Joe Lombardi   Offensive Coordinator
John Morton   Pass Game Coordinator
Keary Colbert   Wide Receivers
Declan Doyle   Tight Ends
Zach Strief   Offensive Line
Vance Joseph   Defensive Coordinator
Marcus Dixon   Defensive Line
Greg Manusky   Inside Linebackers
Christian Parker   Defensive Backs
Michael Wilhoite   Outside Linebackers

 

Mike Westhoff   Assistant Head Coach
Ben Kotwica   Special Teams Coordinator
Chris Banjo   Assistant Special Teams
Dan Dalrymple   Head Strength & Conditioning
Korey Jones   Assistant Strength & Conditioning
Paul Kelly   Assistant to Head Coach

In addition to those 16 coach hires, the Broncos also announced on Friday evening that they have hired Beau Lowery as their vice president of player health and performance.

“The health and wellness of the players is a top priority for our organization,” owner/CEO Greg Penner said in a statement Friday. “Sean has made an important addition to the Broncos in Beau Lowery, who will create an elite sports performance program leading our athletic training, strength and conditioning, nutrition and sports science staffs.

“We will continue to invest in all aspects of player care and performance to ensure we are providing the best possible resources for our team both on and off the field.”

Denver’s staff is getting closer to being finalized, but Payton still has a few more hires to make. The Broncos have yet to hire a running backs coach and some of the assistant positions are yet to be filled as well.

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2-time Jaguars special teams coordinator John Bonamego retires

John Bonamego, who twice served as special teams coordinator of the Jaguars, announced he’s retired from coaching.

Long time NFL special teams coach John Bonamego has retired after more than three decades of coaching, he told ESPN’s Michael Rothstein on Friday.

Bonamego, 59, began his career in the high school and college ranks before the Jacksonville Jaguars hired him as an assistant special teams coach in 1999. After three years in that role, Bonamego was promoted to special teams coordinator in 2002. The Jaguars blocked four kicks that season and punter Chris Hanson made the Pro Bowl, but Bonamego left after Tom Coughlin was fired as the team’s head coach.

A decade later, Bonamego rejoined the Jaguars as special teams coordinator under Mike Mularkey in 2012.

Bonamego also had stints as special teams coordinator of the Green Bay Packers, New Orleans Saints, Miami Dolphins, Detroit Lions, and Los Angeles Rams. He also spent four seasons as the head coach of the Central Michigan Chippewas from 2015 to 2018.

Most recently, Bonamego spent the 2022 season as a senior special teams assistant with the Iowa State Cyclones.

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