Report: Rizzi the top choice for Broncos’ special-teams gig, but process isn’t done
Jan 31, 2025, 5:45 PM
Darren Rizzi doesn’t have the Denver Broncos special-teams coordinator job — at least, not yet.
The former New Orleans Saints interim head coach and special-teams coordinator appears to be the top candidate in the Broncos’ search to replace Ben Kotwica, whom the team dismissed a fortnight ago.
NFL Network first reported Friday night that Rizzi is “likely” to become the Broncos’ special-teams coordinator, but then added that the Broncos will “conduct a full and complete search” to replace Kotwica.
Coordinator searches must comply with the Rooney Rule regarding interviews with minority and/or female candidates.
Rizzi interviewed with the Saints for their head-coaching job after finishing the regular season. New Orleans compiled a 3-5 record on his watch after he replaced Dennis Allen, under whom the Saints went 2-7 and in the throes of a 7-game losing streak when the team dismissed him.
But on Friday, Saints general manager Mickey Loomis informed candidates that the team was zeroing in on a single potential head coach, according to a report from NFL Network.
Rizzi served six seasons as New Orleans’ special-teams coordinator, including three under Payton. His special-teams unit was seventh in the NFL in DVOA last season, three spots below the Broncos.
