Will new Titans special teams coordinator John “Bones” Fassel bring any of his old players to Tennessee?
The Tennessee Titans made a huge splash on Monday, hiring John “Bones” Fassel to be their new special teams coordinator. Fassel joins Tennessee from the Dallas Cowboys, who parted ways with head coach Mike McCarthy, making the special teams coaching veteran available. It represents a massive upgrade for the Titans, as Dallas’ unit was among the best in the entire league throughout 2024. They have two Pro Bowlers in Kavontae Turpin and Brandon Aubrey.
The Cowboys ranked first in kick return yards and touchdowns, and first in punt return touchdowns. They were one of three team units to recover an onside kick in 2024, and ranked 11th-best in kick return yardage allowed. They were consistently a top-10 unit in most categories across the board.
Fassel is among the best special teams coaches in the NFL, but as Bill Callahan learned this past season, it takes talent to coach an effective unit, too. The Titans need to upgrade their roster of players capable of playing special teams to match Fassel’s coaching acumen. With that in mind, we’ve identified three players new general manager Mike Borgonzi could target in free agency.
CJ Goodwin | CB
Goodwin led the Cowboys in special teams snaps with 399. That accounted for nearly 83% of Dallas’ total special teams plays in 2024. If the 34-year-old Goodwin decides to continue his playing career, reuniting with Fassel in Nashville may qualify as plausible.
Israel Mukuamu | S
If the Titans are looking for a younger potential special teams ace, they’ll turn attention to Cowboys defensive back Israel Mukuamu. Mukuamu trailed only Goodwin for the Cowboys’ team-lead in special teams snaps at 346. He’s set to reach unrestricted free agency in March. The former South Carolina standout was a sixth-round selection of the Cowboys in 2021, having played his entire professional career to date under Fassel’s tutelage.
Nick Vigil | LB
Nick Vigil was another mainstay for Fassel on special teams, playing more than 60% of Dallas’ special teams snaps (291), fourth-most on the team. Vigil was a third-round pick in 2016, having bounced around the league as a special teams ace. The Titans love their linebackers to play special teams, making him a potential target in March.