In a highly anticipated move that came after the conclusion of the Super Bowl, the Denver Broncos have officially announced the hiring of Darren Rizzi as their special teams coordinator and assistant head coach. This decision marks a significant shift for a team eager to revamp its coaching staff and improve on a rollercoaster season. Rizzi’s appointment comes on the heels of an impressive six-year tenure with the New Orleans Saints, where he honed his skills and earned a reputation for excellence in special teams strategy.
Rizzi’s previous experiences, which included a decade with the Miami Dolphins, set the stage for this new chapter. His familiarity with Broncos head coach Sean Payton—who previously worked with Rizzi in New Orleans—provides a foundational trust that is essential in any coaching dynamic. This past season, Rizzi also held the role of interim head coach for the Saints after Dennis Allen was dismissed, underscoring his capability for leadership under pressure.
The Denver Broncos faced a tumultuous season, finishing with a record of 10-8. One glaring issue was their special teams unit, which, despite ranking first in the league with an impressive 15.7 yards per punt return, was plagued by critical errors that marred their efforts. Bringing in Rizzi is not only an attempt to optimize their strategies but also to instill a sense of accountability and tactical astuteness that was found lacking during pivotal moments.
After the Broncos’ elimination in the wild-card round by the Buffalo Bills, Payton made swift changes to the coaching staff. The decision to part ways with Ben Kotwica, the former special teams coordinator, and the retirement of Mike Westhoff due to health concerns opened the door for Rizzi to step in. The lack of promotion for Chris Banjo, the team’s other special teams assistant, who left to join the New York Jets, also indicates a clear intent to reset the structure of the special teams under Rizzi’s leadership.
Examining Recent Missteps
While the Broncos showcased potential with standout performances—such as Marvin Mims Jr. earning an All-Pro nod as a returner—serious lapses have raised questions about their viability. Two high-profile errors particularly stand out: a blocked field goal in a crucial game against the Kansas City Chiefs and a costly penalty during a game with the Los Angeles Chargers.
The blocked field goal in the matchup against the Chiefs exemplified a flaw in the Broncos’ protection scheme. The Chiefs exploited this vulnerability, leading to Lutz’s field goal attempt being thwarted at a critical moment. This incident has undoubtedly left a lasting sting for the team, one that Rizzi must address to enhance their overall performance. The Broncos then reassigned Forsyth and Peart in response to this mishap, which subsequently improved Lutz’s success rate—and yet, it was a late-game miscommunication that ultimately resulted in the team’s downfall.
Similarly, the fair-catch interference penalty against Tremon Smith against the Chargers was another glaring oversight. It gifted the Chargers a momentum-shifting opportunity, one that they seized with a 57-yard field goal. As teams compete closely within the AFC West, such errors can have dire consequences on the overall standings.
As Rizzi takes up his new role in Denver, the expectations are high. It’s imperative for him to cultivate a robust special teams unit capable of responding to the unique challenges posed by their division rivals. Rizzi’s track record suggests he is well-equipped to lead this transformation, focusing on technique, game awareness, and strategic adaptations.
The Denver Broncos are entering a pivotal phase with the hiring of Darren Rizzi. His extensive experience in special teams and established connection with Payton create a unique environment for innovation and improvement. The Broncos are poised to build on their strengths while addressing their weaknesses, demonstrating a commitment to not only competing but excelling in an increasingly competitive NFL landscape. The fans will undoubtedly be watching closely as Rizzi implements his game plan, hoping that the changes made will revitalize the team’s performance as they aim for deeper playoff runs in future seasons.