This might not be the flashiest conversation happening around the Atlanta Falcons right now, but make no mistake — special teams could quietly decide the future of this franchise.
After another season filled with missed kicks, shaky coverage units, poor return decisions, and consistent field position disasters, it’s become clear that special teams hasn’t just been a weakness… it’s been a liability. And according to recent reporting from ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, if head coach Raheem Morris is retained, major coordinator changes are expected, including at offensive coordinator and — you guessed it — special teams coordinator.
If the Falcons are serious about fixing what’s broken, replacing Marquice Williams on special teams may be one of the most important moves of the entire offseason. With that in mind, here are three realistic and intriguing candidates Atlanta could target to finally stabilize this phase of the game.
Daren Bates: The Young Innovator with Player Perspective
Daren Bates is one of the most intriguing up-and-coming special teams minds in the NFL. A former Pro Bowl special teams player himself, Bates understands the phase from a player’s perspective — and that matters. He built his coaching foundation in Seattle under Pete Carroll, where special teams discipline and toughness were a staple of success.
Currently serving as the assistant special teams coordinator for the Carolina Panthers, Bates has been part of one of the more creative special teams units in the league, especially under the new kickoff rules. The directional kicks, confusing return lanes, and aggressive coverage concepts have all helped flip field position throughout the season.
Bates is reportedly seeking a full-time special teams coordinator role, and Atlanta could be a perfect fit. He’s young, hungry, innovative, and already immersed in the modern evolution of special teams. If the Falcons want forward-thinking energy instead of recycled ideas, Daren Bates checks a lot of boxes.
Derius Swinton II: Proven Coordinator with Weekly Stability
Derius Swinton II brings a balance of experience and adaptability. He previously served as special teams coordinator for the 49ers in 2016 and the Chargers in 2021 and is currently with the Raiders, where he is functioning as their interim special teams coordinator.
While the Raiders have struggled overall this season, their special teams unit has been one of their strongest and most consistent aspects. Coverage discipline, return organization, and field position management have all been strengths — exactly what the Falcons lack.
Swinton knows how to run a full unit. He understands situational football. He’s handled multiple locker rooms and multiple systems. If Atlanta wants someone who can walk in Day 1 and immediately raise the floor, Swinton could be one of the safest bets available.
Brian Schneider: The Veteran Stabilizer
Brian Schneider represents the steady-hand hire. Currently an assistant special teams coordinator for the Washington Commanders, Schneider previously served as Seattle’s full-time special teams coordinator for an entire decade (2010–2020). That type of tenure is almost unheard of in today’s NFL — and it speaks volumes about his reliability, discipline, and results.
Schneider cut his teeth in an era where special teams were not just a supplementary unit but a true weapon. He understands momentum swings, coverage angles, blocking discipline, and the psychological edge special teams can provide.
One of the biggest issues with the Falcons’ current staff construction has been limited coordinator experience across key roles. Schneider would immediately bring structure, accountability, and expectations. If Atlanta wants a no-nonsense reset with proven leadership, he fits that mold perfectly.
Why This Hire Could Quietly Change the Falcons
If Jeremy Fowler’s report is accurate and Raheem Morris returns, then the pressure shifts directly to the coordinator level. The Falcons cannot afford to bring back the same broken structure and expect different results.
Special teams has been one of the most damaging — and least discussed — reasons Atlanta has lost games this year. It doesn’t just cost points. It costs momentum. It costs confidence. It puts extra stress on both the offense and defense.
A strong special teams hire won’t dominate headlines, but it will steal wins, flip tight games, and prevent losses that never should’ve happened.
If the Falcons hit on this hire, it could be one of the most important decisions of the entire offseason — maybe even more important than any depth free agent or late-round draft pick.
Because in the NFL, clean football still wins.
And right now, Atlanta hasn’t been playing clean.
