Reports indicate that the Tennessee Titans are on the verge of bringing Colt Anderson on board as their new Special Teams Coordinator, although the deal has not been officially sealed.
The Titans have undergone a series of coaching changes in recent weeks, including the dismissal of former head coach Mike Vrabel. As they gear up for the 2024 season, the team is set to welcome a new head coach, defensive coordinator, offensive coordinator, special teams coordinator, and an assistant offensive lineman coach, with Colt Anderson likely to assume the role of the special teams coordinator. Anderson, who previously collaborated with the new Titans head coach Brian Callahan during their tenure with the Cincinnati Bengals, has a background as an assistant special teams coach.
Given the various adjustments in the Titans’ coaching staff, the upcoming season holds numerous possibilities. However, the early timing of these coaching changes in the offseason allows the team ample time to adapt and prepare for the challenges ahead in 2024.
In terms of the Titans’ special teams performance, the punt return unit struggled in 2023, with only one return exceeding 20 yards out of 42 attempts. The team also faced issues with fumbles and a below-average average yards per return. Anderson’s experience with the Bengals’ special teams, which outperformed the Titans in various aspects, is expected to bring valuable expertise to enhance the Titans’ punt return unit for a more successful 2024 season.
Colt Anderson will inherit a special teams group featuring Nick Folk as the kicker, who had an impressive 2023 season with only one missed field goal out of 30 attempts. Folk’s accuracy is a crucial asset for the team’s success. The Titans also boast one of the NFL’s top punters, Ryan Stonehouse, though concerns arise due to his season-ending injury in 2023. Nevertheless, Stonehouse’s precision in pinning opponents deep in their territory contributes significantly to the team’s field position battle.
Despite having elite specialists, the Titans faced challenges with special teams blocking in 2023, leading to blocked field goals, extra points, and punts. Anderson’s role will extend beyond coaching specialists to address the team’s blocking issues on special teams. The Colts game, where multiple blocked punts contributed to Stonehouse’s injury, highlights the critical need for improvement in this area. Additionally, the Titans’ offensive line must enhance its blocking capabilities to protect quarterbacks effectively in the upcoming season.