Football fans often focus on the stars on offense and defense, like quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers, and key defenders.
These players make the big plays, draw the highlights, and grab most of the attention. However, there is a group of coaches who quietly shape the outcome of games and rarely get the recognition they deserve.
Special teams coaches manage the third phase of football, and their influence can be the difference between a win and a loss. While special teams might seem like a minor part of the game, the work these coaches do behind the scenes is crucial. From field position to momentum shifts, special teams coaches ensure that every play is executed with precision.
What Special Teams Are and Why They Matter
Special teams is the part of football that handles kickoffs, punts, field goals, and extra points. Essentially, special teams are on the field whenever the offense or defense is not actively playing.
These units include kickers, punters, long snappers, returners, gunners, blockers, and coverage players. Some of these players are specialists, while others are backups or starters from offense and defense who also take on special teams responsibilities.
Even though special teams play accounts for only a small fraction of a game, often about 15 to 20 percent of all plays, their impact is significant. Field goals, extra points, and return touchdowns all happen through special teams.
A well-executed punt or kickoff can pin the opposing team deep in their own territory, forcing them to start drives with long distances to cover. This makes it easier for the defense to stop them or force turnovers.
Special teams plays can also shift momentum in a game. A blocked punt, a long return, or a surprise onside kick can energize one team while putting the other on the back foot.
Even though these moments are rare, the cumulative effect of consistent special teams execution is enormous. Good coverage, accurate kicking, and smart return strategies can turn small advantages into game-changing opportunities.
What Special Teams Coaches Do
Leading the Unit
Special teams coaches, also known as special teams coordinators, manage an entire roster of players dedicated to kicking plays. This includes kickers, punters, long snappers, returners, and coverage personnel.
They are responsible for organizing who plays, what positions they cover, and how each player contributes. The coach ensures that everyone knows their role and performs their duties correctly.
Game Planning
Every week, special teams coaches study the opponent’s tendencies. They analyze the way other teams kick, punt, and cover returns. Based on that analysis, they make important decisions, such as whether to attempt a fake punt, go for an onside kick, or try a long field goal.
They also design blocking schemes and coverage lanes, adjusting strategies to exploit weaknesses in the opponent while protecting their own vulnerabilities.
Practicing Technique
Special teams plays require specialized skills that are different from those needed on offense or defense. Coaches run drills to teach players the correct techniques for long snapping, kicking, tackling, blocking, and returning.
They also train players to make fast decisions during returns and to understand angles, timing, and positioning. Precision is critical because small mistakes can lead to turnovers or touchdowns for the opposing team.
In-Game Management
On game day, special teams coaches make real-time decisions. They determine when to attempt trick plays, whether to go for a field goal or punt, and when to risk an onside kick.
They also monitor the opponent’s formations and tendencies, making adjustments as the game progresses. These decisions often influence field position and can have ripple effects on the entire game.
Developing Talent and Depth
Special teams often include backups, rookies, and versatile players who are not starters on offense or defense. Coaches evaluate talent, train these players for specialized roles, and help them become contributors.
Developing strong special teams depth is critical in a long season, as it allows teams to maintain performance even when injuries occur or starters need rest.
In short, special teams coaches are strategists, teachers, talent scouts, and in-game decision-makers all rolled into one. Their work requires attention to detail, deep knowledge of football strategy, and the ability to get the most out of a diverse group of players.
Why Fans Often Underestimate Special Teams Coaches
Less Visibility
Special teams plays happen less frequently than offensive or defensive plays, so fans do not see them as often. When the kicks and coverage work correctly, these plays often go unnoticed.
Fans are more likely to notice mistakes, such as a blocked punt or a return touchdown, than the precise execution that prevented those mistakes.
Success Is Often Invisible
A perfectly executed punt or kickoff rarely makes the highlight reel, even though it contributes significantly to winning. Because special teams are often only noticed when something goes wrong, fans fail to appreciate how critical these plays are. A team with consistently strong special teams might quietly control field position and scoring opportunities without drawing attention.
Focus on Stars
Fans tend to focus on high-profile positions, such as quarterbacks, wide receivers, and defensive stars. Many special teams players are role players or backups who do not get the same recognition. This makes it harder for fans to understand the value that a strong special teams unit brings to the team’s overall success.
Complexity and Strategy
Special teams plays involve many subtleties. Coaches must plan coverage lanes, blocking schemes, kick placement, and punting direction. The smallest details can determine whether a play succeeds or fails. Fans who are not deeply familiar with football strategy may not notice the skill, preparation, and planning that go into every special teams play.
Because of these factors, the importance of special teams coaches is often underestimated. Yet teams that invest in strong special teams coaching frequently gain advantages that are not immediately obvious to fans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do special teams really make a big difference in NFL games?
Yes. While special teams plays are less frequent than offensive or defensive plays, they control field position, scoring opportunities, and momentum. A strong special teams unit can prevent big returns, set up scoring chances, and influence the outcome of close games.
What kinds of players make up special teams units?
Special teams units include punters, kickers, long snappers, returners, gunners, blockers, and other coverage players. Some are specialists, while others are offensive or defensive players who take on additional roles for special teams.
Why don’t special teams plays get as much attention as offensive or defensive plays?
Special teams plays are less frequent, and when executed correctly, they often go unnoticed. Fans tend to notice only dramatic or unexpected events, such as blocked punts or return touchdowns. Many plays are designed to prevent big mistakes, and their success is often invisible.
Can a good special teams coach help a “bad” team win more games?
Yes, a skilled special teams coach can help a team improve field position, avoid mistakes, and capitalize on scoring opportunities. While strong special teams cannot make up for a weak offense or defense entirely, they can help teams stay competitive in close games and turn small advantages into wins.
What makes a top-tier special teams coach?
A great special teams coach is strategic, detail-oriented, and an excellent teacher. They must plan plays, train fundamentals, manage a variety of players, and make real-time decisions. They build a disciplined unit that can execute consistently, reduce errors, and maximize field position and scoring opportunities.
Conclusion
- Special teams are a vital third phase of football that can influence field position, scoring, and momentum.
- Special teams coaches manage diverse units, plan strategy, train players, and make in-game decisions that impact the outcome of games.
- Fans often underestimate their value because special teams plays are less frequent and dramatic successes are invisible.
- A strong special teams unit can give a team an advantage, even if it cannot replace weaknesses in offense or defense.
- The next time you watch an NFL game, pay attention to punts, kickoffs, and coverage plays, as they are a reflection of strategy, skill, and the work of a great special teams coach.
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This article was made with AI assistance and human editing.
