Titans fire special teams coordinator Craig Aukerman after loss to Colts

Two special teams disasters in one game has cost the Titans' coordinator his job.

Tennessee's special teams coordinator Craig Aukerman has been relieved of his duties, Titans head coach Mike Vrabel announced Monday. Tom Quinn, special teams assistant with the Titans, will take over in Aukerman's place.

"I had a conversation with Craig, and (we're) going to move on and make a change there on our leadership on the special teams unit," Vrabel said, via the team's official website. "I am excited about the possibility of Tom Quinn leading that group. Tom is going to take over those duties. He brings a lot of experience and knowledge, he's a great teacher. So, hopefully we'll be able to continue the stuff that we've done well, which there have been plenty of things that we've done well, and hopefully eliminate those mistakes that cost you.

"I want to thank Craig for what he has done for us, certainly in the time that I've been here, but felt like this was the best thing for the team and for the players moving forward."

The firing comes on the heels of a nightmarish afternoon in which Tennessee had a punt blocked and returned for a touchdown, then had another punt result in a fumble and an injury to the strong-legged Ryan Stonehouse. The two turnovers produced nine points for Indianapolis in the Colts' comeback win, and forced the Titans to turn to veteran kicker Nick Folk to handle punting duties. Backup quarterback Ryan Tannehill replaced Stonehouse as the team's holder on the field goal unit, leading to Folk's missed PAT, which contributed to the game's progression into overtime and Tennessee's eventual defeat.

The Titans were clinging to a one-point lead late in the third quarter when the special teams ship ran aground.