The Tennessee Titans have an interim special teams coordinator for the final five games of the season, with special teams assistant Tom Quinn taking over for recently-fired special teams coach, Craig Aukerman.
This isn’t Quinn’s first foray into being a special teams coordinator. He served as the New York Giants’ from 2007-2017, and in total he has 32 years of coaching experience in different roles between college and the pros.
Quinn has a tall task in trying to turn around the Titans’ special teams, which were horrendous in Week 13 and average, at best, throughout Aukerman’s tenure.
However, if he can get some improvement out of the units, it could lead to him keeping the job in 2024.
On Thursday, Quinn met with the media for the first time and talked about how his first days at the helm have gone, and what the plans are for the practices to follow.
“So, I obviously came in Monday, made the corrections and moving forward,” Quinn said, per Jim Wyatt. “We had really good meetings and practice (on Wednesday) — more of a walkthrough, so we could install — and we’re excited to get on the grass and work with some speed and work with our pads on so we can work on our techniques and fundamentals.”
Quinn revealed that the job will be a two-man effort for now. He, along with special teams assistant Anthony Levine, will be running things in tandem. Quinn also noted that their philosophies are the same.
“Me and Levine, we’re pretty similar, kind of cut from the same cloth,” he said. “We like to keep things simple so we can play fast and physical.”
Tom Quinn on taking over special teams units for the #Titans. Will work with Anthony Levine as a “two-man” team. pic.twitter.com/J3W1su2e9D
— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) December 7, 2023
On top of the back-to-back blocked punts, the Titans also had a mishap on an extra point with replacement holder Ryan Tannehill that proved to be crucial.
Quinn said that new punter Ty Zentner, who was signed on Wednesday, will be the holder moving forward. In addition, new practice squad linebacker JoJo Domann and running back Jonathan Ward are in line to be personal protectors on punts if tight end Josh Whyle (knee) can’t play.
Tom Quinn said new #Titans punter Ty Zentner will be the holder not Ryan Tannehill.
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) December 7, 2023
Tom Quinn said Jonathan Ward and new signee JoJo Domann could be personal protectors on punt team with Josh Whyle hurt.
— Terry McCormick (@terrymc13) December 7, 2023
Seeing as how things got screwed up when Tannehill came in as the holder, Titans beat writer Paul Kuharsky rightly asked how often the backup holder gets opportunities to practice the job.
Quinn said that happens once a week to once every couple of weeks, which is something the Titans may want to rethink after what transpired on Sunday.
When pressed further on his answer, Quinn explained why.
“We (practice with the backup holder) once a week, once every couple of weeks. And sometimes it changes based on what the roster is; who you’re backup snapper is, backup returner is and all that,” Quinn said. “We snap everyday with the emergency snapper. Sometimes with the holder, we get him once a week. We just try to mix it in. Nick [Folk] only has so many kicks in his leg, so we’re trying to protect him with that. It’s not like he can just kick another four, five, six balls.”
I don’t understand why this requires more kicks by Nick Folk rather then simply more holds by Ryan Tannehill. I continue to feel they don’t take it seriously. #Titans https://t.co/4UyQSdce7N
— Paul Kuharsky (@PaulKuharskyNFL) December 7, 2023
We’ll get our first glimpse at the Quinn-led Titans special teams when Tennessee takes on the Miami Dolphins on Monday night.
