DENTON, Texas – After five seasons with the Dallas Cowboys, veteran special teams coordinator John Fassel was seeking a fresh challenge. He believes he has found the perfect symphony to conduct in Nashville with the Tennessee Titans. Fassel is eager to bring his expertise and make a significant impact on his new team.
“After five years in Dallas, I felt it was time for a change of scenery. As a competitor, you crave new environments and the chance to rebuild and start anew,” Fassel explained from the East-West Shrine Bowl. “Several factors played into this decision. The head coaching situation in Dallas created uncertainty, which was a significant consideration. I had the opportunity to join Tennessee, and I jumped at it rather than waiting to see how things would unfold in Dallas. Plus, Nashville has always intrigued me. It felt like a perfect storm of reasons pointing me towards this move being the right one.”
At the time of his decision, the Cowboys had not yet announced Brian Schottenheimer’s promotion to head coach, which occurred later. Another pivotal factor in Fassel’s confidence in the move was his belief in new Titans head coach Brian Callahan.
Fassel joined Callahan and the Titans coaching staff at the East-West Shrine Bowl, solidifying his commitment to the team. The Titans brought in Fassel to revitalize their special teams unit, an area that experienced considerable difficulties throughout the 2024 season.
“Joining a team that feels new, young, and has an exceptional coaching staff already in place is incredibly appealing,” Fassel remarked. “It makes you want to contribute to something you believe is heading in the right direction. The fresh, youthful energy in Tennessee is exciting, and I want to be part of building something successful.”
Rayna Stewart, formerly of the Houston Oilers/Tennessee Oilers and a Titans assistant coach who recently worked alongside Fassel in Dallas, will also be joining Callahan’s staff in Tennessee as a special teams assistant, further reinforcing Fassel’s team. Colt Anderson and Anthony Levine, special teams coaches from Callahan’s previous staff, will not be returning.
Fassel’s NFL journey as a special teams coordinator began in 2008. Before his tenure with the Dallas Cowboys starting in 2020, he held the same position with the St. Louis/Los Angeles Rams from 2012 to 2019. Notably, in 2016, Fassel served as the Rams’ interim head coach for three games after the team dismissed former head coach Jeff Fisher, who also has ties to the Titans organization. Prior to the Rams, Fassel directed special teams for the Oakland Raiders from 2008-2011, and he honed his skills as an assistant special teams coach with the Baltimore Ravens from 2005 to 2007.
Throughout his distinguished NFL career, John Fassel has earned a reputation as one of the league’s most innovative and effective special teams coaches. His impact was recently evident in Dallas, where he dramatically improved the Cowboys’ special teams performance after his arrival in 2020.
Under Fassel’s guidance in Dallas, three players earned a total of six Pro Bowl selections, showcasing his ability to develop talent: punter Bryan Anger (2021 and 2023), return specialist KaVontae Turpin (2022 and 2024), and kicker Brandon Aubrey (2023 and 2024).
In the 2024 season, the Cowboys set a new NFL benchmark for kickoff return average, achieving an astounding 32.1 yards per return (1,091 yards on 34 returns). KaVontae Turpin led the league with an average of 33.5 yards per kickoff return, punctuated by electrifying touchdowns on a 99-yard kickoff return and a 60-yard punt return. Brandon Aubrey ranked second in the NFL in field goals made (40), including a league-leading 14 field goals of 50 yards or more. Furthermore, the Cowboys’ kickoff coverage units ranked 11th in the league in opponent kickoff return average (27.1), demonstrating well-rounded special teams performance.
“He is truly one of the best in the business,” Callahan stated about Fassel. “Anytime you have the opportunity to add someone of his caliber and elevate a phase of your game in such a way, it’s incredible. A coach of his quality is rarely available, and we were fortunate that he was available at the right moment. We made the move to bring him in, and he felt that Tennessee was a great fit for him.”
Callahan emphasized the transformative potential Fassel brings to the Titans. “I am genuinely excited – this is a team-changing addition. His reputation is impeccable – players love playing for him, and he brings tremendous energy. I am even excited to be in his meetings and learn from him.”
Fassel, the son of the late NFL coach Jim Fassel, who famously led the New York Giants to Super Bowl XXXV in the 2000 season, expressed his enthusiasm for the opportunity to make a difference in Tennessee. His coaching philosophy centers around both instruction and inspiration.
“I invest in the players, and I try to be a positive and enjoyable presence on the coaching staff,” Fassel said with a smile. “I aim to infuse energy into special teams with a straightforward approach that allows players to perform freely.”
“Our primary goal will be to compete at the highest level in everything we do. Practice is crucial for building a strong special teams unit. The details, like practice habits and competitiveness in one-on-one drills, are very important to me and will be things I emphasize to the team. If you can cultivate a group of special teams players who truly believe in their value and feel important, you maximize their contribution and achieve great results.”
