The Broncos are the latest team to make a coordinator change. After two seasons in Denver, Ben Kotwica has been fired, Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo of NFL Network report.
Kotwica was among the first hires made by head coach Sean Payton once he took the Broncos’ head coaching position. The move added to Kotwica’s lengthy NFL coaching resume; he has served as a special teams coordinator with the Jets in addition to time in Washington and Atlanta in that capacity. Despite a lack of previous experience working with Payton, Kotwica took charge of the third phase units in Denver after one season as an assistant ST coach with the Vikings.
The 50-year-old oversaw a unit which included Marvin Mims earning first-team All-Pro acclaim as a punt returner this year. In the Broncos’ wild-card loss to the Bills this weekend, the team successfully converted a fourth-and-eight by means of a fake punt. Those individual successes were weighed against shortcomings like Denver’s Week 10 loss to Kansas City, during which a would-be game-winning field goal attempt was blocked.
Given Kotwica’s experience, it would not come as a surprise if he were to land another opportunity in the near future. In the meantime, it will be interesting to see how Payton proceeds with filling this vacancy. As Underdog Fantasy’s James Palmer notes, the timing of this dismissal could be an indication Payton already has a specific target in mind with respect to a replacement.
Of course, the former Saints Super Bowl winner has brought in a number of familiar faces on the field and the sidelines since his arrival in Denver. For that reason, Darren Rizzi‘s name has been mentioned as one to watch. Rizzi took over as New Orleans’ interim head coach midway through the season after Dennis Allen was fired. He hopes to land the full-time gig with the Saints and has interviewed with the team. Rizzi has also met with the Jets about their vacancy, and it remains to be seen if he will receive the opportunity to lead a staff in 2025. If not, taking charge of Denver’s special teams could be on the table.
Interesting fire, I wonder what went wrong?
The Bucs’ Special Teams were ‘iffy’ this year and I thought some dumb moves like having Bucky Irving return kicks…. stooooopid!!!
Maybe, the Bucs should consider hiring this man, Ben K
I didn’t think the Broncos special teams were bad, I was just surprised they got smoked by the Bills, I expected a better game
Pretty sure Bucky only returned them early before he became a bigger part of offense. They had Tucker back there and White once he was benched neither are real returners. Palmer tried for punting a bit. Think they wanted Kam Johnson but he was injured.
Hoping the Bills give him a look since their ST coach is currently the weakest link on the staff.