Broncos have named Darren Rizzi as Special Teams Coordinator/Assistant Head Coach

On February 14, 2025, the Denver Broncos announced the hiring of Darren Rizzi as their Special Teams Coordinator and Assistant Head Coach. This move reunites Rizzi with Broncos Head Coach Sean Payton, with whom he previously worked during their tenure with the New Orleans Saints.

Coaching Career and Achievements

Darren Rizzi, 54, brings over 30 years of coaching experience to the Broncos, including 16 seasons at the NFL level. He began his NFL coaching career in 2009 with the Miami Dolphins, serving as Assistant Special Teams Coach. Rizzi was promoted to Special Teams Coordinator in 2010, a position he held until 2018. During his tenure with the Dolphins, he also served as Associate Head Coach and Special Teams Coordinator from 2017 to 2018.

In 2019, Rizzi joined the New Orleans Saints as Special Teams Coordinator under Head Coach Sean Payton. He was named Assistant Head Coach in 2022 and served as the Saints’ interim head coach during the 2024 season, leading the team to a 3-5 record. Throughout his career, Rizzi’s special teams units have consistently ranked among the top half in Rick Gosselin’s annual special teams rankings, with four seasons in the top five between 2019 and 2023. He has coached multiple Pro Bowl players, including safety J.T. Gray, return specialists Deonte Harty and Rashid Shaheed, and current Broncos kicker Wil Lutz. Gray, Harty, and Shaheed also earned All-Pro honors under Rizzi’s coaching.

Role with the Denver Broncos

In his new role with the Broncos, Rizzi will oversee the special teams unit and assist Head Coach Sean Payton in various team management responsibilities. His extensive experience and proven track record in special teams are expected to enhance the Broncos’ performance in this critical area. Rizzi’s familiarity with Payton’s coaching philosophy and his history with the Saints are anticipated to contribute to a seamless integration into the Broncos’ coaching staff.

Personal Background

Rizzi is a native of Hillsdale, New Jersey, and graduated from the University of Rhode Island, where he played tight end. He and his wife, Tracey, have five children: two daughters, Mackenzie and Alexandra, and three sons, Christian, Casey, and Cameron.

The addition of Darren Rizzi to the Denver Broncos’ coaching staff is seen as a strategic move to strengthen the team’s special teams and provide experienced leadership in the upcoming season.