If you were hoping the Tennessee Titans would part ways with embattled special teams coordinator, Craig Aukerman, you can put that hope to bed right now.
While at Ran Carthon’s press conference on Friday, ESPN’s Jared Stillman waded the waters of pissing off head coach Mike Vrabel with a question about Aukerman still having a job.
Unsurprisingly not thrilled by the question, Vrabel went on to defend his special teams coach, saying he isn’t going to blame muffed punts on Aukerman.
He also asked Carthon to “go find us some returners” after the team was especially bad in that department this past season.
I cannot stop laughing at this
"Ran, go find us some returners who don't drop the ball" pic.twitter.com/YfOCM72MRN
— Buck Reising (@BuckReising) January 22, 2023
Mike Vrabel on the #Titans special teams, especially the punt return team: pic.twitter.com/3b71AkUcWv
— 104-5 The Zone (@1045TheZone) January 20, 2023
#Titans HC Mike Vrabel didn’t deny they need more talent when it comes to the return game: “Ran, go find us some returners.” (It was both of them laughing).
— Kayla Anderson (@KaylaAndersonTV) January 20, 2023
Tennessee’s issues on special teams were more than just about punt returns.
Tennessee finished 22nd in kick return average, 19th in punt return average and 28th in yards allowed per punt return. The only area the Titans were good was in defending kick returns, where they ranked fourth.
While we understand Aukerman can’t catch punts for players, the special teams units have been bad for years now, and in more ways than one — and that’s with Tennessee regularly investing in the groups.
That has to fall at least somewhat on the coach, but clearly Vrabel doesn’t subscribe to that. Thus, Aukerman will get another season.
And therein lies one of the bigger issues with Vrabel. He’s a loyal guy and that’s a good quality to have for sure, but within reason. Vrabel’s loyalty is not always within reason, with Aukerman and Todd Downing being two examples of that.
