The San Francisco 49ers have done just that by naming Brant Boyer as their new special teams coordinator. More importantly, they would like to re-energize a unit that ranked dead last in the NFL last season, with a pitiful –47.67 in special teams expected points added (EPA) for 2024. Boyer, who joined the organization after his time with the New York Jets, carries significant experience in player development from his previous positions. He shined as the special teams coordinator from 2016-2020. He does have an enviable record thus far. In his time, he finished tied for second in total touchdowns scored by special teams and had eight blocked punts.
Boyer’s appointment is a big step in a thrilling plan to maximize the team’s quality output. This action shines desperately needed spotlight on an important, often overlooked field hard hit by recent cuts. The 49ers are betting on Boyer’s considerable special-teams expertise to increase the effectiveness of their units. Congress’s undoing of a key provision. This unit has been criticized for its inefficiency and ineffectiveness.
While with the Jets, Boyer’s units built a reputation for causing havoc and producing game-changing plays. They’ve scored nine touchdowns through special teams, which is tied for the second most all time. On top of that, they placed fifth in lowest opponent kick return average at 21.8 yards. His willingness to roll up his sleeves and build a competitive and effective special teams unit speaks to his readiness to accept this role.
“I don’t care what was spoken before or what was done before,” Boyer said. I’m here to do a job and my job is to help this team win, period. His philosophy emphasizes winning two out of three phases — special teams, offense, and defense. This mentality and approach is key for not only getting wins on the pitch in Major League Soccer.
Boyer’s experience as a player offers a unique perspective to his coaching credentials. He starred at West Virginia on his way to 11 colorful NFL seasons as a linebacker. His professional playing career began as a sixth round draft choice of the Miami Dolphins in 1994. He then enjoyed six productive seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars, followed by four more with the Cleveland Browns. He was known for his contributions on special teams during his long playing career. In just his last four seasons, he amassed 55 tackles and one forced fumble, touting career totals of 250 tackles, 13 sacks, and six interceptions in 129 games.
To combat this glaring weakness on the team, Boyer has taken it upon himself to lobby for important player pickups. He’s already been a staunch defender of signing linebacker Luke Gifford and defensive backs Siran Neal and Richie Grant. On special teams, he’s called for the team to draft Montana return man Junior Bergen with their last pick. Together, these moves are viewed as crucial steps to shoring up a previously underperforming special teams unit.
An underrated challenge for Boyer will be getting kicker Jake Moody back on track after a brutal sophomore campaign. If the young man can get his head straight I have no doubt he’s gonna be really good. He’s doing one good hell of a job already for us! Nothing should go wrong or be missed on his watch, or it will become our fault I suppose. I hope so, I truly do,” Boyer said about his hopes for Moody to improve.
Boyer’s philosophy on coaching special teams is simple: create an environment where the players want to make plays. He wants to reverse that stigma so playing special teams isn’t seen as a punishment. This game is hard and patently cruel, where men go to war with each other. When 90 percent of special teams plays are one-on-one matchups, each battle becomes pivotal. “It’s either you or him,” he told us. “Well, my mentality is simple, it’s you or me. Chiefly, I want these dudes to get it in their heads that it’s going to be you, uh, No.”
Boyer’s deep rapport with head coach Robert Saleh further adds an essential dimension to his role. The two collaborated on defense when Saleh served as head coach of the Jets from 2021 until earlier this fall. Their cordial relationship has already contributed to clearer communication and improved collaboration across the enterprise. This will give them the best chance at developing a more impactful special teams unit.
As Boyer faces high expectations to turn around a unit that has struggled significantly in recent seasons. His extensive experience as both a player and coach will be instrumental in shaping a more resilient and competitive special teams squad.
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