The Atlanta Falcons announced on Monday morning the hiring of Craig Aukerman as their new special teams coordinator. Aukerman previously held this position with the Miami Dolphins last season and will succeed Marquice Williams in Atlanta.
With an extensive career in the NFL since 2010, Aukerman has experience across several teams, including four years with the San Diego Chargers, seven seasons with the Tennessee Titans, and stints with the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Denver Broncos.
The Falcons faced challenges with their special teams units last season but showed improvement as the year progressed. In light of these issues, head coach Kevin Stefanski opted for changes, filling all three coordinator roles within the team. Jeff Ulbrich continues as the defensive coordinator, while Tommy Rees steps in as the offensive coordinator alongside Aukerman’s appointment.
Additionally, the Falcons made several other key staff changes, appointing Robert Prince as the new wide receivers coach. They also welcomed former Detroit Lions general manager Bob Quinn as a senior advisor to the head coach, a role that reunites him with Stefanski from their time in Cleveland.
The team will maintain its current coaching staff for defensive line, secondary, and tight ends, preserving the continuity needed to build upon last season’s progress. This strategic shift signals the Falcons’ commitment to enhancing their performance and competitiveness in the upcoming season.