#Titans ST coordinator Craig Aukerman has been relieved of his duties, per HC Mike Vrabel.
— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) December 4, 2023
The Tennessee Titans have finally made the move fans have been yearning for: Special teams coach Craig Aukerman has been fired.
While meeting with the media on Monday, head coach Mike Vrabel revealed that Aukerman has been relieved of his duties one day after the Titans had several blunders on special teams.
Taking Aukerman’s place for the time being is special teams assistant Tom Quinn, who is in his first season with the team. Quinn has 32 years of coaching experience, with 16 of them in the NFL.
Aukerman’s firing has been long overdue, as the Titans’ special teams miscues in Week 13 were the latest in a long line of them since he took over in 2018.
#Titans' Vrabel: Assistant Tom Quinn takes over from Aukerman … Felt like this was best for the team and for players moving forward.
— John Glennon (@glennonsports) December 4, 2023
The Titans had one punt blocked and then saw a fumble on the next attempt, a play in which star punter Ryan Stonehouse suffered a season-ending injury. The Indianapolis Colts scored 10 points off those two plays alone.
Adding to those issues, kicker Nick Folk missed an extra point after quarterback Ryan Tannehill assumed holder duties, which cost Tennessee an opportunity to close out the game in regulation.
Earlier in the contest, the Titans gave up a 36-yard kickoff return, which paved the way for the Colts’ first touchdown drive of the contest.
While it might be too little too late, it’s nice to see Vrabel finally coming to his senses. Quinn will get a look the rest of the way before the Titans have to make a decision on Aukerman’s long-term replacement in 2024.
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