The Tennessee Titans have undergone significant changes this offseason in an effort to shake off the disappointment of last year’s three-win season. New general manager Mike Borgonzi has been actively reshaping the roster, while head coach Brian Callahan has also made adjustments to the coaching staff. One of the most notable additions to the staff is special teams coordinator John Fassel, a respected figure who spent the past five years with the Dallas Cowboys and has a strong reputation in NFL special teams circles.
Initially, Titans fans were excited about the prospect of pairing Fassel’s expertise with the talents of 2022 All-Pro punter Ryan Stonehouse. However, the team made a surprising decision not to re-sign Stonehouse during the offseason, and he subsequently signed with the Miami Dolphins. This move caught many fans off guard given Stonehouse’s standout performances and potential fit with the new coaching staff.
To provide clarity on the situation, AtoZ Sports reporter Easton Freeze recently shared some insights into the reasoning behind the Titans’ decision. Freeze explained that the move wasn’t primarily driven by Fassel, but rather reflected a broader philosophical shift within the coaching staff. Tennessee wanted to emphasize hang time and directional punting rather than just raw distance. Stonehouse, known for his power and distance punting, didn’t quite fit into this new strategic approach. There were moments of frustration last season regarding his style, and the team ultimately concluded that Stonehouse’s punting profile no longer aligned with their vision.
While fans often focus on the more visible aspects of football, such as offense and defense, the nuances of special teams can sometimes go unnoticed. However, the Titans clearly recognized the need for improvement in the kicking game, an area that can impact field position and momentum significantly. Stonehouse’s numbers also showed some decline last season, including a drop in yards per punt and two blocked kicks during the 2024 campaign.
In response, Tennessee signed Johnny Hekker, a seasoned veteran with 13 years of NFL experience, including stints with the Rams and Panthers. Although Hekker is no longer the four-time All-Pro he once was, his extensive experience and consistent performance should bring stability to the Titans’ punting duties this season.
While some fans may find it difficult to adjust to life without Stonehouse, the decision now comes with a clearer understanding. The shift in punting philosophy under Fassel and the coaching staff’s new priorities explain why the team moved on from their former star punter. This clarity may help fans appreciate the broader strategic direction the Titans are taking as they rebuild and aim to improve in 2025.
