Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Mike Moraitis

Titans’ Mike Vrabel: Firing Craig Aukerman ‘was the best thing for the team’

The Tennessee Titans have made a change on special teams, with head coach Mike Vrabel announcing on Monday that special teams coordinator Craig Aukerman has been fired after five-plus seasons with the team.

Aukerman’s firing comes on the heels of the Titans having a disastrous showing from their special teams unit in Week 13, which also resulted in punter Ryan Stonehouse being lost for the season due to injury.

When asked about the decision, Vrabel said it “was the best thing for the team,” while also revealing special teams assistant Tom Quinn would take over for the rest of the year.

“I had a conversation with Craig, and (we’re) going to move on and make a change there on our leadership on the special teams unit,” Vrabel said, per Jim Wyatt. “I am excited about the possibility of Tom Quinn leading that group. Tom is going to take over those duties. He brings a lot of experience and knowledge, he’s a great teacher. So, hopefully we’ll be able to continue the stuff that we’ve done well, which there have been plenty of things that we’ve done well, and hopefully eliminate those mistakes that cost you.

“I want to thank Craig for what he has done for us, certainly in the time that I’ve been here, but felt like this was the best thing for the team and for the players moving forward.”

Now, the Titans will look to fill the unfillable shoes of Stonehouse ahead of their Week 14 matchup against the Miami Dolphins.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.