The Denver Broncos have parted ways with special teams coordinator, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo.
This decision comes as a surprise, especially considering the Broncos’ special teams ranked well in several categories this season. Head coach Sean Payton had frequently praised the team’s improvement in special teams over the past two years.
The most notable special teams mistake occurred in Week 10 against the Kansas City Chiefs, when Denver lost 16-14 due to a blocked field goal. Kansas City exploited a weakness in the field goal unit, targeting Alex Forsyth, which resulted in the block.
Payton defended Forsyth after the play and shifted responsibility to the coaching staff, stating, “This isn’t on the player. This is on all of us. This is on us as coaches.”
Despite this, Broncos returner Marvin Mims earned Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors for leading the NFL with 15.7 yards per punt return. Kicker Wil Lutz also tied a franchise record with 31 successful field goals, while punter Riley Dixon ranked 10th in net yards per punt and sixth for punts downed inside the opponent’s 20-yard line.
Two days after the blocked field goal, assistant head coach Mike Westhoff, who helped manage the special teams, resigned due to health concerns. Kotwica will also not return in 2025.
Chris Banjo, Denver’s assistant special teams coach, has interviewed for the 49ers’ special teams coordinator position, potentially making him an internal candidate for the Broncos. Another key name is Darren Rizzi, who previously served as the Saints’ special teams coordinator under Payton from 2019-2021. After Payton’s departure, Rizzi was promoted to assistant head coach and interim head coach in 2024. The Saints are now searching for a new full-time head coach, which could make Rizzi available. If hired, he would join a growing list of former Saints staff joining Payton in Denver.
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