Year in and year out, the Tennessee Titans are lackluster on special teams, to say the least, and it has become a common occurrence for fans and media alike to call for special teams coordinator Craig Aukerman to be fired.
And those calls only grew stronger in Week 13, as the Titans’ special teams unit was an absolute disaster in the 31-28 overtime loss to the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday.
The Titans had one punt blocked, which was returned for what turned out to be a crucial touchdown for the Colts. Then, Indy forced a fumble on the very next punt attempt after a hit on punter Ryan Stonehouse that caused what appeared to be a serious injury and eventually led to more points for Indy.
As if all that wasn’t enough, the Titans surrendered a 36-yard kickoff return in the first quarter, which helped setup Indy’s first touchdown drive of the game, and they missed an extra point that would’ve made the game 26-25.
The truth of the matter is, Aukerman should’ve been fired years ago but head coach Mike Vrabel continues to be irrationally loyal to him, and I have no doubt that will continue, even after what we saw in Week 13.
As has become the norm in recent years, Titans fans rightly wanted blood in the form of Aukerman getting the boot. Here’s what social media was saying about the embattled special teams coach.
Craig Aukerman should be fired right now
— Jimmy Morris (@jmorrisMCM) December 3, 2023
What’s CRAZY to me is that this isn’t the first Colts game AT HOME that Craig Aukerman’s punting unit has absolutely blown for the Titans. But Craig Aukerman is John Gotti, so he’ll probably get promoted by Vrabel.
— Jared Stillman (@JaredStillman) December 3, 2023
I do not expect Craig Aukerman to be a Titan when Stillman & Co starts at 2 tomorrow on @1025TheGame. Regardless we have much to discuss. See you then.
— Jared Stillman (@JaredStillman) December 3, 2023
Craig Aukerman Highlights:
1. Bad kickoff coverage
2. Blocked punt
3. Blocked punt
4. Missed extra point #Titans pic.twitter.com/YmU8GNYpLy— Jake Robertson (@GloryDaySports) December 3, 2023
Shoutout Craig Aukerman for being 100% responsible for today’s loss.
— Robert Greenlaw (@RobOnBroadway) December 3, 2023
2 blocked punts in a row one causing stonehouse to get hurt on top of all the other issues we’ve had on special teams FIRE CRAIG AUKERMAN ALREADY!!
— Zack smallwood (@Titanfan4life92) December 3, 2023
If Craig Aukerman is still on the staff tomorrow morning, fire Vrabel. I'm not even kidding.
— Kaleb Searle (@kaleb_searle) December 3, 2023
Surely Craig Aukerman has to go now. It’s way past time.
— Will Boling (@will_boling) December 3, 2023
Another blocked punt and Stonehouse is hurt. Craig Aukerman should've been fired long ago and this game only reinforces that. Embarrassing.
— The Titans Wire (@TheTitansWire) December 3, 2023
Win or lose, fire Craig Aukerman.
— Greg Kett (@Greg_Kett) December 3, 2023
Craig Aukerman might as well have just walked onto the field and broke Stonehouse's leg himself. Bro should've been fired at LEAST like 5 years ago.
— Johnathan Brewer (@JohnathanBr3wer) December 3, 2023
Everyone and their mother knows how bad Craig Aukerman has been…..except Mike Vrabel. #Titans
— Tre (@TreJeanNFL) December 3, 2023
Time for Craig Aukerman to find a 9-5.
— Jack Gentry (@jackagentry) December 3, 2023
FIRE CRAIG AUKERMAN!#Titans
— Bryan Jones (@bryanjj0nes) December 3, 2023
Fire Craig Aukerman immediately
— titans burner guy (@titansburnerguy) December 3, 2023
FIRE CRAIG AUKERMAN NOW! #Titans
— Henry Given Sunday ™️ (@SameerKES) December 3, 2023
I’m not going to another game until Craig Aukerman doesn’t have a job in this organization
— Lane (@RooneypantZ) December 3, 2023
Two straight blocked punts is absolutely unacceptable. Craig Aukerman should be out of a job by tomorrow afternoon. 🙃
— Joe Miniot (@JoeMiniot19) December 3, 2023
Craig Aukerman is directly responsible for this Titans loss. If he has a job tomorrow Vrabel needs to be fired.
— Allen (@heyitsmeallen) December 3, 2023
Fire Craig Aukerman.
— Cody Moore (@CodyMoorex2) December 3, 2023
Craig Aukerman should be fired mid game. Two straight blocked punts and gets our best player killed
— Uncle Madd (@Uncle_Madd) December 3, 2023
Craig Aukerman still being employed by the Tennessee Titans is the most criminal display of employment in North American history.
— Eric Grove (@EGrover44) December 3, 2023
Eject Craig Aukerman into the sun.
— Andrew Jones (@el_jonesy35) December 3, 2023
Craig Aukerman needs to be fired immediately.
— Everett R. (@EverettZRey) December 3, 2023
