Following yet another comedy of errors on special teams in the Tennessee Titans’ 31-28 overtime loss to the Indianapolis Colts, fans and media alike were calling for the head of special teams coordinator, Craig Aukerman.
And they got their wish, as head coach Mike Vrabel revealed on Monday that Aukerman has been relieved of his duties, a move that was long overdue. For now, the Titans will replace Aukerman with special teams assistant Tom Quinn, who has 32 years of coaching experience.
The Titans had one punt blocked, saw a fumble on another, and in the process of the second play, punter Ryan Stonehouse suffered a season-ending injury.
As if all that wasn’t enough, Tennessee missed a crucial extra point and allowed a long kickoff return that paved the way for a Colts touchdown drive.
As you’d expect, Titans fans on social media approved of the Titans finally making a change. Here’s the reaction:
Action from Mike Vrabel after a terrible special teams day and nearly six years of average-at-best play from special teams under Craig Aukerman. #Titans https://t.co/XyUpt7Khzb
— Paul Kuharsky (@PaulKuharskyNFL) December 4, 2023
Mike Vrabel did absolutely the right (and I am sure tough due to their relationship) thing by firing Craig Aukerman as #Titans Special Team Coordinator.
Very surprised he did an in-season move, but he said its whats best and whats needed when it comes to those kinds of move.…
— Football & Other F Words (@FWordsPod) December 4, 2023
New #Titans ST coordinator Tom Quinn is a 32-year capable veteran. Imagine he'll receive opportunity to keep the job in 2024.
Here are some potential candidates w/ Vrabel ties.
Bob Ligashesky, current Syracuse ST coor.
Larry Izzo, #Seahawks ST coor. & Former Vrabel teammate.
— Justin M (@JustinM_NFL) December 4, 2023
Man just when I’m out on Vrabel… https://t.co/EcrhIj2NHz pic.twitter.com/8XVtjjUNBd
— TicTacTitans (@TicTacTitans) December 4, 2023
A lot of people who defend Vrabel are also yelling about Craig Aukerman.
Well one of the big issues with Vrabel is his assistant coaches. After his first three(Smith, MLF, Pees), Vrabel has done awful otherwise.
Bowen has been terrible sans Schwartz, Aukerman and Downing…
— TicTacTitans (@TicTacTitans) December 4, 2023
Kudos to Vrabel. I can't believe he actually did it https://t.co/WKKQYVwm9c
— Jimmy Morris (@jmorrisMCM) December 4, 2023
Hate to see anyone lose their job, but this has been a long time coming.
— Just Morris ⚔️ (@morris96r) December 4, 2023
It’s sad it took Stonehouse getting hurt to get it done…
— B Allen 🇺🇸 (@B_allen712) December 4, 2023
Had to, the emphasis on special teams and the lack of performance has been inexcusable
— TitanUpCNY (@Zach75553130) December 4, 2023
— titans burner guy (@titansburnerguy) December 4, 2023
That’s the fastest vrabel has ever acted lol
— Malachi (@_Mal_Bro_) December 4, 2023
3 years too late
— Nobody (@lbh000) December 4, 2023
Thank Heavens. #Titans pic.twitter.com/9fvLpKXNlL
— ⛪️🎄CHVRCHΞS Fans’Papa🎄⛪️ (@VaderJaws) December 4, 2023
Vrabel knew he had no choice!!
— Michael (@onealtitans) December 4, 2023
Rare Titans W
— col (@colburreport) December 4, 2023
