Spotlighting the Chargers' new-and-improved special teams


Special Teams Coordinator Ryan Ficken enters as the new head man
With new pieces at three different spots, the man tying it all together will be former Vikings special teams coordinator, Ryan Ficken. After spending 15 seasons as part of the Vikings, he will be replacing Daris Swinton who was let go after one season.
Ficken was the special teams coordinator in 2021 after spending the previous eight years as the assistant special teams coach. Last season, the Vikings led the NFC and were second in kickoff return average thanks to some stellar return units and the performance of Kene Nwangwu (two return touchdowns).
His main goal this season will be improving on an inconsistent Bolts crew from last year. The Chargers were last in the league in net punting thanks to some dismal coverage units at times.
However, thanks to the league-leading performance from Roberts last year (32.8-yard kick return average) and Hopkins going 18 of 20 since joining the Bolts, the special teams unit turned in a salvageable grade but not enough to save Swinton’s job.
In addition to his time coaching the Minnesota special teams, Ficken has also spent time as an assistant wide receivers coach (2009-12) and the assistant running backs coach (2007-08).