When it comes to making bold changes to improve his team, Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton has shown he doesn’t hesitate.
The first major move of the offseason came on January 17, just five days after the Broncos were eliminated from the playoffs by the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Wild Card Round, marking their first postseason appearance since 2015.
According to ESPN’s Jeff Legwold, Payton fired special teams coordinator Ben Kotwica after a season marred by critical special teams mistakes.
“Sources confirmed Friday morning that Payton has fired special teams coordinator Ben Kotwica,” Legwold reported. “Kotwica, who was hired by Payton alongside Mike Westhoff to lead special teams, had struggled throughout the season. Westhoff, who previously worked with Kotwica on the New York Jets, retired earlier this year due to health issues.”
The Broncos finished 10-7 in 2024, their first winning season since 2016, but two key losses were attributed to special teams errors.
In Week 10 against the Kansas City Chiefs, a potential game-winning 35-yard field goal by Will Lutz was blocked as time expired, resulting in a 16-14 loss at Arrowhead Stadium.
“This is on us as coaches,” Payton said after the game.
Another costly mistake occurred in Week 16 against the Los Angeles Chargers. With Denver leading 21-10 and a playoff berth within reach, cornerback Tremon Smith was penalized for interference on a fair catch late in the first half. The Chargers used the penalty to attempt a rare free kick, and Cameron Dicker converted a 57-yard field goal to close the half. The Broncos ultimately lost 34-27. It was the NFL’s first successful free kick field goal since 1976.
From Army Team Captain to NFL Coach
Ben Kotwica’s career path is as impressive as it is unconventional. A former linebacker and team captain for Army in the early 1990s, Kotwica served as a helicopter pilot in the Iraq War, Bosnia, and Korea before transitioning to coaching.
He began his NFL career with the New York Jets, spending seven seasons with the team and becoming their special teams coordinator in 2013. He later served as the special teams coordinator for the Washington Commanders and Atlanta Falcons, returned to Army for a year as director of player development in 2021, and had a brief stint with the Minnesota Vikings before joining the Broncos in 2023.
Broncos Led the NFL in Punt Returns
Despite the challenges, Kotwica’s special teams unit achieved notable success in 2024, leading the NFL in punt return average at 15.7 yards per return. He also coached Marvin Mims Jr., a two-time NFL All-Pro and Pro Bowl return specialist.
Mims, a second-round pick (63rd overall) out of Oklahoma in the 2023 NFL Draft, emerged as a dual threat in 2024. In addition to excelling on special teams, he caught 30 passes for 503 yards and six touchdowns, finishing the season with 1,105 all-purpose yards.
While Kotwica’s tenure ended prematurely, his contributions to the Broncos’ punt return success and Mims’ development leave a lasting legacy.
