TRAINING CAMP PREVIEW: SPECIAL TEAMS
In camp: K Joey Slye, P Johnny Hekker, LS Morgan Cox, Returners Chimere Dike, Tyjae Spears, James Proche II, Xavier Restrepo, Mason Kinsey, Jha'Quan Jackson, Julius Chestnut et al.
Offseason developments: The Titans parted ways with punter Ryan Stonehouse, and signed Johnny Hekker to replace him. The team opted not to re-sign kicker Nick Folk, and signed former Patriots kicker Joey Slye to take his place. Meanwhile, the Titans re-signed long snapper Morgan Cox, bringing him back for his 16th NFL season. The Titans also made a big shake-up on special teams, where veteran coach John Fassel was hired to replace Colt Anderson as special teams coordinator. Rayna Stewart was hired as assistant special teams coach. The Titans also made several additions to bolster the return game and coverage teams.
In the spotlight: John Fassel. I could've mentioned Slye here, and I could've mentioned Hekker. But the most notable change on special teams for the Titans took place on the coaching staff, where Fassel will try and right the ship. Fassel has been an NFL special teams coordinator since 2008, most recently holding the post with the Dallas Cowboys since 2020. Fassel was a longtime special teams coordinator for the St. Louis/Los Angeles Rams (2012-2019), and he served as the Rams' head coach for three games in 2016 after the team dismissed former Rams and Titans coach Jeff Fisher. During his time in the NFL, Fassel has been known as one of the most creative special teams coaches in the league, and one of the best. He's high energy, and it'll be fun to watch him work.
Battle to watch: Return jobs. The Titans will give a bunch of guys a chance to win jobs in the return game, with probably a half-dozen starting off in the competition at punt returner. How guys perform in practices, and preseason games, will determine who ends up returning in Week One in Denver. Dike, the rookie from Florida, is a versatile player who has a chance to prove his value even more in the return game. I think he's a real contender to win both return jobs, although Spears and others will be in the mix as well.
Keep an eye on: Slye and Hekker. The 29-year-old Slye kicked for the Patriots in 2024, when he made 26-of-33 field goals and went 25-of-26 on his extra point attempts. Slye was 6-of-9 on kicks from 50-plus yards in 2024, including a career-long kick of 63 yards. He'll bring a stronger leg to special teams, and he looked good during the offseason. Hekker is a 14-year veteran who has punted the ball 963 times for 45,052 yards – or 25.6 miles – in 212 games in his career. He has a 46.8-yard gross average, with 378 punts placed inside the 20-yard line, and a 42.9-yard career net punting average. The Titans expect, and need, for both of them to be good.
Next up: Training camp.
