The Tennessee Titans have fired special teams coordinator Craig Aukerman after an embarrassing display from the Titans special teams units led to not only a heartbreaking loss to the Colts in Week 13, but a season-ending injury to the Titans’ elite punter, Ryan Stonehouse.
Aukerman Fired
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Head coach Mike Vrabel announced that the team would be moving on from Aukerman, who has been Vrabel’s special teams coach since Vrabel was first hired in 2018. In his place, longtime coaching veteran Tom Quinn will take over the post.
Vrabel explained the decision at his press conference on Monday.
“I had a conversation with Craig Aukerman,” Vrabel said, “and (we’re) going to move on and make a change there on our leadership on the special teams unit. I am excited about the possibility of Tom Quinn leading that group. Tom is going to take over those duties.”
Special teams disasters are what cost the Titans the game on Sunday. Between two blocked punts(yes, one was ruled a fumble), a long kickoff return allowed and a missed extra point, the Titans gave the game away to a Colts team they should have beat by a considerable margin. It was unacceptable.
Tom Quinn, the man Vrabel mentioned, will be taking over. Quinn has coached in college football and the NFL. Most recently Quinn was with the New York Giants from 2006-2021. Vrabel seemed excited about what Quinn could bring.
“He brings a lot of experience and knowledge, he’s a great teacher,” Vrabel explained. “So, hopefully we’ll be able to continue the stuff that we’ve done well, which there have been plenty of things that we’ve done well, and hopefully eliminate those mistakes that cost you.”
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