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3 Candidates who could replace Colt Anderson as Titans' special teams coordinator

By Justin Melo

Nov 17, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints interim head coach Darren Rizzi reacts to a play against the Cleveland Browns during the first half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
Nov 17, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints interim head coach Darren Rizzi reacts to a play against the Cleveland Browns during the first half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images / Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
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The Tennessee Titans have been historically poor on special teams this season. They began the campaign by suffering blocked punts in consecutive games in Weeks 1 and 2 and haven't really shown any improvement on coverage down the stretch. For example, Colt Anderson's disastrous unit has posted a league-worst special teams Expected Points Added (EPA) of -18.37 since Week 8.

They allowed a historic 262 return yards and a touchdown versus the Detroit Lions the week that recent streak began. More recently, the Houston Texans returned the opening kickoff in Week 12 for 80 yards and scored a touchdown on the successive play. Tennessee's special teams have shown no signs of improvement.

It's difficult to imagine Anderson returning as special teams coordinator next season. Head coach Brian Callahan appears hellbent on letting Anderson conclude this campaign, but he should be in the market for a new coordinator in the offseason. We've identified three potential candidates.

Darren Rizzi, New Orleans Saints

Darren Rizzi was named the New Orleans Saints' special teams coordinator in 2019. He survived the regime change from Sean Payton to Dennis Allen and is currently serving as interim head coach following Allen's dismissal. If Rizzi fails to earn the job on a full-time basis, he'll be among the most sought after special teams coordinators in the NFL.

Callahan doesn't possess a deep Rolodex of realistic options. If Rizzi becomes available, an inexperienced head coach like Callahan should pursue him aggressively. Rizzi would be a terrific fix for Tennessee's special team woes.

Darrin Simmons, Cincinnati Bengals

Darrin Simmons is a Cincinnati Bengals legend. He first joined the franchise as their special teams coordinator in 2003. He served in that role until 2019. Zac Taylor was a rookie head coach in 2019, and after a disastrous debut year, decided he needed more experience in his ear. He named Simmons assistant head coach in 2020, adding a second duty to his responsibilities.

Callahan spent his entire Bengals tenure (2019-23) alongside Simmons. When he needed to hire a coordinator, he plucked from that three, appointing Taylor's special teams assistant Anderson. If Simmons becomes available after this lackluster Bengals season, Callahan should be intrigued.

John Fassel, Dallas Cowboys

John Fassel is another experienced special teams coordinator who may become available in the offseason. He's been coordinating the Dallas Cowboys' special teams since 2020. With Mike McCarthy unlikely to survive this disappointing season, the Cowboys will likely enter the coaching carousel this summer.

Fassel possesses ties to various Titans coaches. He worked for the St. Louis and Los Angeles Rams from 2012 to 2019, crossing paths with Ran Carthon and Dennard Wilson, to name a few. Fassel, who once had three special teams players named to the same Pro Bowl, would represent a quality addition for Callahan.

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