My Thirty-Two Year Journey While Revolutionizing Pro Football Special Teams

In the ever-evolving landscape of professional football, special teams have often been overlooked and undervalued. However, my thirty-two-year journey as a special teams coordinator and coach has forever changed the perception of this crucial aspect of the game. Through innovative strategies, relentless dedication, and an unwavering belief in my players, I have revolutionized special teams, transforming them from a mere afterthought to a game-changing force.

My journey began in 1989 when I joined the New York Giants as the special teams coordinator. At the time, special teams were often considered a minor nuisance, a necessary evil that could occasionally provide a spark. I saw things differently. I believed that special teams had the potential to be a game-changer, a weapon that could swing the momentum and, ultimately, determine the outcome of a game.

Armed with this vision, I set out to revolutionize special teams. I began by meticulously studying every facet of the game, from punting and kicking techniques to blocking schemes and return strategies. I spent countless hours poring over game film, analyzing every play, every decision, and every nuance of special teams.

Figure It Out: My Thirty-Two-Year Journey While Revolutionizing Pro Football’s Special Teams

by Baby Professor

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	6530 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	457 pages
Paperback	:	229 pages
Item Weight	:	9.6 ounces
Dimensions	:	5.5 x 0.75 x 8.25 inches

FREE

As I delved deeper into my research, I identified several key principles that would form the foundation of my revolutionary approach:

• Relentless effort: Special teams required the same level of effort and intensity as any other phase of the game. My players needed to understand that they were as important as the offense or defense.

• Attention to detail: Every detail, no matter how small, could make a difference. From the angle of a punt to the timing of a block, I emphasized the importance of precision and execution.

• Exploiting weaknesses: I believed that every opponent had a weakness, a vulnerability that could be exploited. My job was to identify those weaknesses and develop strategies to attack them.

• Embracing innovation: Special teams provided a unique opportunity for innovation. I encouraged my players to think outside the box and come up with new and creative ways to gain an edge.

With these principles guiding me, I began to implement a series of changes that would forever alter the landscape of special teams. I introduced new blocking schemes that disrupted opponents' return units. I developed innovative punting and kicking techniques that allowed us to pin opponents deep in their own territory. And I created return strategies that maximized our chances of scoring or setting up our offense in advantageous positions.

The results were undeniable. Under my guidance, the Giants' special teams became one of the most feared and respected units in the NFL. We led the league in blocked punts and field goals, and our return units consistently ranked among the top in the league. Our success on special teams played a pivotal role in the Giants' two Super Bowl victories in 1990 and 2007.

As my reputation grew, I was sought after by other teams eager to adopt my revolutionary approach to special teams. I spent time with the Buffalo Bills, Cleveland Browns, and Indianapolis Colts, helping them transform their special teams units into game-changing weapons.

My journey culminated in my appointment as the head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2019. As the first head coach in NFL history to come from a special teams background, I faced skepticism and doubt. However, I remained steadfast in my belief that special teams could be a cornerstone of success.

Under my leadership, the Buccaneers' special teams flourished. We led the NFL in blocked punts and field goals, and our return units ranked among the top in the league. This success played a crucial role in the Buccaneers' historic Super Bowl LV victory in 2021.

My thirty-two-year journey in professional football has been a testament to the power of innovation, dedication, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. I have witnessed firsthand the transformative impact that special teams can have on the game of football.

Today, special teams are no longer an afterthought. They are a integral part of the game, a weapon that can be used to gain an edge and win games. I am proud to have played a role in revolutionizing special teams, and I believe that the future of the game will continue to be shaped by the innovations that are taking place on this crucial phase of the game.

If you are a coach, player, or fan who is passionate about special teams, I encourage you to join me on this journey. The book, "My Thirty-Two Year Journey While Revolutionizing Pro Football Special Teams," chronicles my experiences, insights, and the strategies that I have used to transform special teams.

In this book, you will learn:

• The principles of successful special teams play
• The innovative strategies and techniques that have changed the game
• The stories and anecdotes of the players and coaches who have been part of this revolution

I believe that this book will provide you with the knowledge and inspiration to revolutionize special teams in your own program or organization. Together, we can continue to push the boundaries of this great game and create a new era of special teams dominance.

Figure It Out: My Thirty-Two-Year Journey While Revolutionizing Pro Football’s Special Teams

by Baby Professor

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	6530 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	457 pages
Paperback	:	229 pages
Item Weight	:	9.6 ounces
Dimensions	:	5.5 x 0.75 x 8.25 inches

FREE