When the Tennessee Titans begin the search for their next head coach, much of the conversation will likely center around whether the hire leans offensive or defensive. But regardless of the scheme or philosophy that comes through the door, one thing should be non-negotiable: John “Bones” Fassel stays.
Fassel, one of the NFL’s most respected special teams coordinators for over a decade, came to Tennessee this offseason with a reputation for turning chaos into cohesion. And for a Titans team that’s struggled mightily in the third phase of the game in recent years, his arrival has been nothing short of transformational.
This wasn’t just a name hire. There was some understandable skepticism - after all, the Titans brought in offensive line guru Bill Callahan the year before, and the line still struggled.
But Fassel has delivered exactly what his résumé promised, and then some. He’s taken a unit that was a liability and turned it into one of the most consistent and explosive parts of the team.
Let’s start with Chimere Dike, who’s making a serious case for All-Pro as a rookie. Dike leads the NFL in punt return average - not by a slim margin, but by a staggering 9.5 yards.
That’s the kind of gap that turns field position into a weapon. He’s also top-10 in kick return average and leads the league with two punt return touchdowns.
And let’s not forget - he had a third called back on a questionable flag. If that one stands, we’re talking about a player chasing league history in return scores, and it’s only Week 13.
But Dike isn’t the only one thriving under Fassel’s guidance. Kicker Joey Slye has quietly been one of the league’s most dangerous long-range threats, connecting on seven field goals from 50+ yards - a mark only a few kickers have hit this season.
A rough stretch in early October may have cooled the buzz around him, but the leg talent is undeniable. When the Titans cross midfield, they’ve got a legitimate shot at points.
And perhaps most impressive of all? Fassel has done this while managing constant personnel turnover.
By late November, the Titans had already cycled through nine - now ten - different gunners. That level of instability would derail most special teams units.
But under Fassel, it’s just another challenge to solve.
He’s taken a rotating cast of backups and role players on a one-win team and convinced them to play with purpose, discipline, and fire on every kick and coverage snap. That’s not just coaching - that’s culture-building.
Whoever steps in as the next head coach in Tennessee, they’ll have a long to-do list. But keeping John Fassel on staff should be near the top.
He’s not just stabilizing a unit - he’s giving the Titans a competitive edge every week. And in a season where wins have been hard to come by, that kind of edge is invaluable.