Unlike the targets searches for offensive and defensive coordinator, the Atlanta Falcons went with a true outsider to direct the special teams.
On Wednesday, the franchise tapped Ben Kotwica as special teams coordinator. A graduate of the United States Military Academy in West Point, the 44-year-old Kowtwica has 12 years of NFL coaching experience–highlighted by coordinating special teams for the Jets (2013) and Redskins (2014-18).
"Ben will provide an experienced but new voice for our special teams. He brings an attacking attitude to our units, and we are excited to add him to our staff," said Falcons head coach Dan Quinn.
According to the Falcons, the Kotwica-led Redskins led the NFL in kickoff touchback percentage (81.2-percent) this season.
What's more, in 2017, Kotwica oversaw a kickoff unit which merely surrendered 18.7 yards per return–that campaign's second-lowest average.
This season, Kotwica also helped hone the accuracy of Redskins kicker Dustin Hopkins, who connected on nearly 90 percent of his field goal attempts (26 of 29).
On New Year's Eve, Quinn summarily fired all three of the Falcons coordinators (Steve Sarkisian, Marquand Manuel, Keith Armstrong).
However, in relatively short order, the franchise has recouped all three slots–Dirk Koetter (rehired to run Atlanta’s offense on Tuesday), Kotwica (special teams) and Quinn, who will assume double duty as the defensive coordinator.
