Alright Falcons fans, we’ve gotta talk — because there is one area of this team that absolutely has to get fixed this offseason, and that’s special teams.
All season long we saw the same issues pop up: missed opportunities, poor field position, costly returns, and far too many moments where special teams either hurt the Falcons or, at best, failed to help them. In close games, those details matter. And last year, they often worked against Atlanta.
Now that Kevin Stefanski is officially in the building, one of the most important early decisions he will make is who he brings in as special teams coordinator. This hire may not grab headlines like an offensive or defensive coordinator, but it could have a massive impact on whether this team takes a step forward or stays stuck in neutral.
So let’s talk about three realistic candidates the Falcons could target — and why each one makes sense in a different way.
Bubba Ventrone (Browns): Familiarity and Trust with Stefanski
Let’s start with the most obvious connection. Bubba Ventrone is currently the special teams coordinator for the Cleveland Browns, which immediately puts him on the radar because of his long-standing relationship with Kevin Stefanski.
Ventrone re-joined the Browns in 2023 after previously playing there from 2009 to 2012, and he brings over 20 years of NFL experience as both a player and a coach. He has been part of two Super Bowl teams, and that kind of postseason experience carries weight when you’re trying to build a complete staff.
From a production standpoint, Cleveland’s special teams units have posted strong numbers. In 2023, kicker Dustin Hopkins set franchise records for made field goals, punter Corey Bojorquez set team marks for punt average, and the Browns led the league in blocked field goals. Statistically, they finished as a top-10 special teams unit.
However, the perception around Ventrone isn’t universally positive. Many Browns fans have complained about inconsistent coverage, big returns allowed, and breakdowns at key moments. Ventrone has pushed back, suggesting that personnel — not scheme — has been the real issue.
That raises an important question for Atlanta. If the problems are mostly roster-related, then the Falcons might actually be a better fit, especially if they prioritize speed and physicality on coverage units. And it’s clear that Stefanski trusts Ventrone, having kept him on staff and consistently spoken highly of his work. If Stefanski wants continuity and someone he already believes in, Ventrone would make plenty of sense.
Jeff Rodgers (Cardinals): Proven Turnaround and Consistency
If the Falcons are looking for a proven track record of consistent special teams success, Jeff Rodgers might be the safest option.
Rodgers is currently the special teams coordinator and assistant head coach for the Arizona Cardinals, and he has held that role since 2019 after joining the staff in 2018. Across multiple seasons, Arizona has regularly ranked near the top of the league in special teams efficiency, return units, and coverage discipline. That level of consistency rarely happens by accident.
Before Arizona, Rodgers also coached special teams for the Bears, Broncos, Panthers, and 49ers, giving him experience across multiple organizations, roster builds, and coaching structures. That versatility matters when stepping into a new environment like Atlanta, where the roster is still evolving.
Some point to Arizona’s kicking struggles in recent seasons, but that’s more about inconsistent kicker performance than structural breakdowns in the special teams units themselves. In terms of organization, lane discipline, and return game execution, Rodgers’ groups have generally been strong.
For the Falcons, this is where the fit becomes compelling. Atlanta doesn’t just need better athletes on special teams; they need a cultural reset in that phase of the game. Rodgers brings accountability, structure, and a reputation for getting consistent results. And if the Cardinals are restructuring under a new direction, prying away a top coordinator could be both realistic and smart business.
Derius Swinton II (Raiders): Rising Coach with Momentum
The third name is more of a rising candidate, but one that deserves real consideration: Derius Swinton II of the Raiders.
Swinton is currently the assistant special teams coach in Las Vegas and has been in NFL coaching circles for about 15 years. What makes him interesting is what happened after the Raiders fired Tom McMahon. Swinton took on more responsibility, and almost immediately, special teams became one of the few bright spots on an otherwise struggling roster.
In 2024, punter AJ Cole led the league in gross punting average, the Raiders ranked near the top in kickoff return average, and Daniel Carlson became just the 15th player in NFL history to reach 800 points in his first seven seasons. Across most advanced metrics, Las Vegas finished as a top-10 special teams unit.
Considering how inconsistent the Raiders were in other phases of the game, the fact that special teams stabilized and even thrived says a lot about the coaching behind the scenes.
The question with Swinton is whether he’s ready for a full coordinator role. That’s always the risk when promoting a rising assistant. But sometimes the best hires are coaches who just fixed something, not ones who’ve been sitting in comfortable situations for years. If the Falcons want energy, momentum, and a coach who just proved he can stabilize a broken unit, Swinton would be a bold but intriguing option.
Final Thoughts: This Hire Could Swing the Season
When you look at Atlanta’s special teams coordinator search, each candidate represents a different philosophy. Bubba Ventrone offers continuity and trust with Kevin Stefanski. Jeff Rodgers offers proven, long-term success and organizational stability. Derius Swinton II offers upside and recent momentum.
But regardless of which direction the Falcons go, one thing is very clear: they cannot run it back with what they had last season.
Special teams cost this team field position, cost them momentum, and in some cases, directly cost them games. Those are the margins that separate playoff teams from teams stuck in the middle of the standings.
If Kevin Stefanski is serious about building a complete football team in Atlanta, this hire matters just as much as offensive and defensive coordinator.
And honestly, getting this decision right could be the difference between seven wins and double-digit wins next season.
That’s not a small detail — that’s the season.
