special teams coordinator

{{Use mdy dates|date=February 2025}}

{{short description|Coach responsible for the special teams on a gridiron football team}}

A special teams coordinator (STC) is a coach responsible for a gridiron football team's special teams unit.{{cite web |title=Does the NFL have a special teams bias when hiring head coaches? History indicates it does |website=USA Today |date=November 13, 2024 |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2024/11/13/nfl-special-teams-coaches-john-harbaugh-hiring-head-coaches/75720530007/ |access-date=February 1, 2025}}{{cite book |editor1=Bill Mallory |editor2=Don Nehlen |title=Complete Guide to Special Teams |author=Mike Sabock |chapter=Developing Special Teams Units |publisher=American Football Coaches Association |date=2005 |url=https://www.google.com/books/edition/Complete_Guide_to_Special_Teams/1lsS3sMHiNAC?hl=en&gbpv=0 |isbn=0736052917}} Generally, the special teams coordinator, offensive coordinator, and defensive coordinator represent the second level of a team's coaching structure, with the head coach being the first level. The primary role of the special teams coordinator is managing the roster of special teams players, overseeing the assistant coaches, developing the special teams game plan, and calling plays for the special teams during the game.

Unlike offensive or defensive coordinators, special teams do not usually employ individual position coaches, so special teams coordinators are directly responsible for the management and development of a team's kickers, kickoff specialists, punters, holders, long snappers, return specialists, upbacks, gunners, and jammers.

List of current NFL special teams coordinators

class="wikitable sortable"

|+ AFC

! Team !! Coordinator !! Since !! Previous coaching position

colspan="4" | AFC East
Buffalo Bills{{sortname|Chris|Tabor}}align="center" |2025{{Cite web|title=NFL news roundup: Bills hiring former Panthers interim HC Chris Tabor as special teams coordinator|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-news-roundup-latest-league-updates-from-tuesday-feb-11|access-date=February 12, 2025|website=nfl.com|language=en}}Carolina Panthers special teams coordinator ({{nfly|2022|2023}})
Miami Dolphins{{sortname|Craig|Aukerman}}align="center" |2025{{cite web|title=Miami Dolphins Announce Coaching Staff Additions |url=https://www.miamidolphins.com/news/miami-dolphins-announce-coaching-staff-additions-1-29-25 |website=MiamiDolphins.com|date=January 29, 2025|access-date=February 1, 2025}}Tennessee Titans special teams coordinator ({{nfly|2018|2023}})
New England Patriots{{sortname|Jeremy|Springer}}align="center" |2024{{Cite web|url=https://www.boston.com/sports/new-england-patriots/2024/01/31/jeremy-springer-patriots-special-teams-coach-report/|website=Boston.com|title=Patriots reportedly set to hire Jeremy Springer as special teams coach|author=Bird, Hayden|date=January 31, 2024}}Los Angeles Rams assistant special teams coach ({{nfly|2022|2023}})
New York Jets{{sortname|Chris|Banjo}}align="center" |2025{{Cite web |last=Lange |first=Randy |date=January 31, 2025 |title=Jets Name Chris Banjo Special Teams Coordinator |url=https://www.newyorkjets.com/news/jets-hire-chris-banjo-special-teams-coordinator-01-31-2025 |access-date=January 31, 2025 |website=NewYorkJets.com}}Denver Broncos assistant special teams coach ({{nfly|2023|2024}})
colspan="4" | AFC North
Baltimore Ravens{{sortname|Chris|Horton}}align="center" |2019{{cite web|work=BaltimoreRavens.com|url=https://www.baltimoreravens.com/news/ravens-special-teams-coordinator-jerry-rosburg-to-retire-in-june|date=March 15, 2019 |title=Ravens Special Teams Coordinator Jerry Rosburg to Retire|first=Clifton|last=Brown|access-date=March 21, 2019}}Ravens assistant special teams coach ({{nfly|2014|2018}})
Cincinnati Bengals{{sortname|Darrin|Simmons}}align="center" |2003Carolina Panthers assistant special teams coordinator ({{nfly|1999|2002}})
Cleveland Browns{{sortname|Raymond|Ventrone}}align="center" |2023{{Cite web|last = Poisal | first = Anthony | title = Bubba Ventrone named Browns assistant head coach/special teams coordinator |url = https://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/bubba-ventrone-named-browns-assistant-head-coach-special-teams-coordinator|access-date = February 14, 2023|date = February 24, 2023}}Indianapolis Colts special teams coordinator ({{nfly|2018|2022}})
Pittsburgh Steelers{{sortname|Danny|Smith|dab=American football}}align="center" |2013Washington Redskins special teams coordinator ({{nfly|2004|2012}})
colspan="4" | AFC South
Houston Texans{{sortname|Frank|Ross|dab=American football}}align="center" |2021{{Cite web|title=Houston Texans Announce 2021 Assistant Coaching Staff|url=https://www.houstontexans.com/news/houston-texans-announce-2021-assistant-coaching-staff|date=2021-05-10|website=www.houstontexans.com}}Indianapolis Colts assistant special teams coach ({{nfly|2018|2020}})
Indianapolis Colts{{sortname|Brian|Mason|dab=American football}}align="center" |2023{{Cite web|title=Colts hire Notre Dame's Brian Mason as special teams coordinator; Irish blocked 7 punts|url=https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/nfl/colts/2023/03/04/colts-hire-notre-dames-brian-mason-as-special-teams-coordinator/69971620007/|access-date=April 29, 2024|website=indystar.com|language=en}}Notre Dame Fighting Irish special teams coordinator (2022)
Jacksonville Jaguars{{sortname|Heath|Farwell}}align="center" |2022{{Cite web|title=Jaguars Finalize 2022 Coaching Staff|url=https://www.jaguars.com/news/jaguars-finalize-2022-coaching-staff|publisher=Jacksonville Jaguars|date=February 17, 2022|access-date=February 17, 2022}}Buffalo Bills special teams coordinator ({{nfly|2019|2021}})
Tennessee Titans{{sortname|John|Fassel}}align="center" |2025{{Cite web|title=Titans Promote Luke Stocker to TEs Coach, Announce the Hiring of Veteran Coaches John Fassel (Special Teams) and Tony Oden (Passing Game Coordinator/Cornerbacks), Along With Several Other Changes |url=https://www.tennesseetitans.com/news/titans-promote-luke-stocker-to-tes-coach-announce-the-hiring-of-veteran-coaches-john-fassel-special-teams-and-tony-oden-passing-game-coordinator-cornerbacks-along-with-several-other-changes |date=January 27, 2025|website=TennesseeTitans.com}}Dallas Cowboys special teams coordinator ({{nfly|2020|2024}})
colspan="4" | AFC West
Denver Broncos{{sortname|Darren|Rizzi}}align="center" |2025{{Cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/43847898/broncos-hire-saints-interim-darren-rizzi-st |work=ESPN |title=Broncos hire Saints interim Darren Rizzi to coach special teams |date=February 14, 2025}}New Orleans Saints interim head coach ({{nfly|2024}})
Kansas City Chiefs{{sortname|Dave|Toub}}align="center" |2013Chicago Bears special teams coordinator ({{nfly|2004|2012}})
Las Vegas Raiders{{sortname|Tom|McMahon|dab=American football}}align="center" |2022{{Cite web |url=https://www.si.com/nfl/raiders/news/las-vegas-raiders-tom-mcmahon-joins-as-special-teams-coordinator |work=Sports Illustrated |title=Tom McMahon Joins Raiders as Special Teams Coordinator |date=February 10, 2022}}Denver Broncos special teams coordinator ({{nfly|2018|2021}})
Los Angeles Chargers{{sortname|Ryan|Ficken}}align="center" |2022{{Cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/33209338/los-angeles-chargers-hire-ryan-ficken-special-teams-coordinator |work=ESPN |title=Los Angeles Chargers hire Ryan Ficken as special teams coordinator |date=February 3, 2022}}Minnesota Vikings special teams coordinator ({{nfly|2021}})

class="wikitable sortable"

|+ NFC

! Team !! Coordinator !! Since !! Previous coaching position

colspan="4" | NFC East
Dallas Cowboys{{sortname|Nick|Sorensen}}align="center" |2025{{Cite web |title=Nick Sorensen named special teams coordinator |url=https://www.dallascowboys.com/news/nick-sorensen-named-special-teams-coordinator |access-date=2025-01-29 |website=Dallascowboys.com |language=en-US}}San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator ({{nfly|2024}})
New York Giants{{sortname|Michael|Ghobrial}}align="center" |2024{{cite magazine |title=Giants Hire Michael Ghobrial as New Special Teams Coordinator |url=https://www.si.com/nfl/giants/news/giants-hire-michael-ghobrial-as-special-teams-coordinator |magazine=Sports Illustrated |date=January 25, 2024 |access-date=26 January 2024}}New York Jets assistant special teams coordinator ({{nfly|2021|2023}})
Philadelphia Eagles{{sortname|Michael|Clay}}align="center" |2021{{Cite web|title=Eagles reportedly offer former Chip Kelly assistant ST coordinator job|url=https://www.nbcsports.com/philadelphia/eagles/eagles-offer-michael-clay-special-teams-coordinator-job-chip-kelly-dave-fipp|access-date=2021-01-29|website=RSN|language=en}}San Francisco 49ers assistant special teams coach ({{nfly|2018|2020}})
Washington Commanders{{sortname|Larry|Izzo}}align="center" |2024{{cite web|url=https://www.commanders.com/news/washington-commanders-announce-coaching-staff-2024|title=Washington Commanders announce coaching staff|work=Commanders.com|author=Washington Commanders Public Relations|date=February 15, 2024|accessdate=February 15, 2024}}Seattle Seahawks special teams coordinator ({{nfly|2021|2023}})
colspan="4" | NFC North
Chicago Bears{{sortname|Richard|Hightower}}align="center" |2022{{cite news |title=Bears hire Hightower as special teams coordinator |url=https://www.chicagobears.com/news/bears-hire-richard-hightower-as-special-teams-coordinator |work=Chicago Bears |date=February 6, 2022}}San Francisco 49ers special teams coordinator ({{nfly|2017|2021}})
Detroit Lions{{sortname|Dave|Fipp}}align="center" |2021{{cite news |title=Lions hire Dave Fipp as special teams coordinator |url=https://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-hire-dave-fipp-as-special-teams-coordinator |work=Detroit Lions |date=January 26, 2021}}Philadelphia Eagles special teams coordinator ({{nfly|2013|2020}})
Green Bay Packers{{sortname|Rich|Bisaccia}}align="center" |2022{{Cite web | url=https://www.packers.com/news/packers-hire-rich-bisaccia-as-special-teams-coordinator | title=Packers hire Rich Bisaccia as special teams coordinator |website=packers.com |access-date=February 8, 2022 |date=February 8, 2022}}Las Vegas Raiders interim head coach & special teams coordinator ({{nfly|2021}})
Minnesota Vikings{{sortname|Matt|Daniels}}align="center" |2022{{Cite news |last=Lewis |first=Alec |title='That guy is going to be a superstar': Meet Matt Daniels, the Vikings' special teams coach |url=https://theathletic.com/3758067/2022/11/03/matt-daniels-vikings-special-teams-coordinator/ |access-date=2022-12-24 |website=The Athletic |language=en}}Dallas Cowboys assistant special teams coach ({{nfly|2020|2021}})
colspan="4" | NFC South
Atlanta Falcons{{sortname|Marquice|Williams}}align="center" |2021{{Cite web |last=Tabeek |first=Matthew |last2=McFadden |first2=Will |date=January 21, 2021 |title=Arthur Smith hires coaches, identifies coordinators |url=https://www.atlantafalcons.com/news/arthur-smith-hires-coaches-identifies-coordinators |access-date=January 26, 2021 |website=www.atlantafalcons.com}}Detroit Lions assistant special teams coach ({{nfly|2019|2020}})
Carolina Panthers{{sortname|Tracy|Smith|dab=American football}}align="center" |2024{{cite web|url=https://pantherswire.usatoday.com/2024/02/08/panthers-name-tracy-smith-new-special-teams-coordinator/|title=Panthers name Tracy Smith as new ST coordinator|website=Panthers Wire|first=Anthony|last=Rizzuti|date=February 8, 2024|access-date=July 3, 2024}}Seattle Seahawks assistant special teams coach ({{nfly|2021|2023}})
New Orleans Saints{{sortname|Phil|Galiano}}align="center"|2025Saints assistant special team coach ({{nfly|2019|2024}})
Tampa Bay Buccaneers{{sortname|Thomas|McGaughey}}align="center" |2024{{cite web |last1=Simmons |first1=Myles |title=Buccaneers to hire Thomas McGaughey as special teams coordinator |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/buccaneers-to-hire-thomas-mcgaughey-as-special-teams-coordinator |website=nbcsports.com |date=February 8, 2024 |publisher=NBC Universal |access-date=8 February 2024}}Philadelphia Eagles special teams coordinator ({{nfly|2018|2023}})
colspan="4" | NFC West
Arizona Cardinals{{sortname|Jeff|Rodgers}}align="center" |2018{{Cite web |url=https://cardswire.usatoday.com/2018/01/26/cardinals-announce-coordinators-add-jeff-rodgers-as-special-teams-coordinator/ |title=Cardinals announce coordinators, add Jeff Rodgers as special teams coordinator| date=January 27, 2018}}Chicago Bears special teams coordinator ({{nfly|2015|2017}})
Los Angeles Rams{{sortname|Chase|Blackburn}}align="center" |2023{{cite news|work=TheRams.com|url=https://www.therams.com/news/rams-hire-chase-blackburn-as-special-teams-coordinator|title=Rams hire Chase Blackburn as special teams coordinator|first=Stu|last=Jackson|date=February 21, 2023|accessdate=February 21, 2023}}Tennessee Titans assistant special teams coach ({{nfly|2022}})
San Francisco 49ers{{sortname|Brant|Boyer}}align="center" |2025{{cite web |title=San Francisco 49ers Name Brant Boyer Special Teams Coordinator |url=https://www.49ers.com/news/san-francisco-49ers-name-brant-boyer-special-teams-coordinator |work=San Francisco 49ers |access-date=January 27, 2025 |date=January 27, 2025}}New York Jets special teams coordinator ({{nfly|2016|2024}})
Seattle Seahawks{{sortname|Jay|Harbaugh}}align="center" |2024{{Cite web |last=Boyle |first=John |last2=Horton |first2=Ari |date=February 13, 2024 |title=Seahawks Announce Seven Additions To 2024 Coaching Staff |url=https://www.seahawks.com/news/seahawks-announce-seven-additions-to-2024-coaching-staff |access-date=October 17, 2024 |website=Seahawks.com}}Michigan Wolverines special teams coordinator & safeties coach (2022–2023)

See also

References

{{Notelist}}

{{reflist}}

{{NFL special teams coordinators}}

Category:American football occupations

Category:Coaches of American football

Category:NFL lists