Nashville, TN — The Tennessee Titans’ new special teams coordinator, John Fassel, isn’t a man who talks much about himself—but he’s got no hesitation when it comes to describing the brand of football he wants his units to play. And it’s far from conventional.
“Relentless, with a little wild man in it,” Fassel said with a grin during a media availability this week. “I try to make special teams something players want to do… where if you’re too perfect or scripted, you lose the flair that comes with running, hitting, chasing, and finishing.”
Fassel, a 16-year NFL coaching veteran known for his creativity and intensity, was brought in earlier this offseason by head coach Brian Callahan to rejuvenate a Titans special teams unit that has undergone a complete transformation—from players, to coaches, to philosophy.
A Reputation Built on Energy and Innovation
Though Fassel is hesitant to define his own coaching style, others around him have no such problem. Callahan praised Fassel as “infectious” and “high-energy,” calling him one of the most impressive and upbeat football minds he’s worked with.
“He’s fantastic,” Callahan said. “He lets guys play fast. He keeps things simple. But most importantly, he connects with his players and gets the most out of them.”
Fassel’s résumé backs up the praise. Known league-wide as one of the most innovative special teams coaches in the NFL, he has led units with the Rams, Raiders, Cowboys, and Ravens, helping turn ordinary coverage and return teams into game-changing assets.
During his recent stint with the Dallas Cowboys (2020–2024), Fassel coached three players to six Pro Bowl selections, including:
•Bryan Anger (punter) – 2021 & 2023
•KaVontae Turpin (returner) – 2022 & 2024
•Brandon Aubrey (kicker) – 2023 & 2024
Under his leadership, Dallas set an NFL record in 2024 with an average of 32.1 yards per kickoff return, and Turpin recorded two return touchdowns in a single season. Meanwhile, kicker Brandon Aubrey led the NFL with 14 field goals of 50+ yards, showcasing Fassel’s ability to coach up talent in all three phases of special teams.
A New Era in Tennessee
In Tennessee, Fassel inherits a unit that looks radically different than it did a year ago:
•Punter Johnny Hekker, a former Pro Bowler and familiar face from Fassel’s Rams days, replaces Ryan Stonehouse.
•Kicker Joey Slye comes in for veteran Nick Folk.
•A wave of new players—young, fast, and physical—have been added to contribute in both coverage and return roles.
Fassel will be joined by assistant coach Rayna Stewart, a former Oilers player and fellow special teams coach from their time in Dallas. Together, they replace Colt Anderson and Anthony Levine, who served under Callahan last season.
Building a Culture of Controlled Chaos
Fassel’s message to his players is clear: play with fire, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes.
“It’s a fresh start for me, it’s a fresh start for them,” Fassel said. “Whatever happened in the past, good or bad, doesn’t matter. I’m not harping on last year’s film. I want our guys to go out there and feel free to fly around and compete.”
That mindset—aggressive, unshackled, yet sound—is already resonating with Titans players, many of whom are eager to make an impact in new roles on special teams.
Fassel says he wants his unit to be known not just for explosive returns or tricky schemes, but for “consistent motor, relentless effort, and a little bit of wild man.”
The Bottom Line
In a league where special teams are often overlooked, John Fassel is bringing vision, passion, and innovation to Tennessee. His goal? To turn special teams into a weapon, not a formality.
And if his past is any indication, he’s got the blueprint—and the boldness—to do just that.
Relentless. Unpredictable. Wild. Titans football just got a whole lot more fun to watch.
