In the recent flurry of head coach openings in the NFL, one group of potential candidates seems to be getting overlooked: special teams coordinators. While names of offensive and defensive coordinators, linebacker coaches, and former head coaches dominate the headlines, the role of special teams coordinator remains largely underappreciated.

Among the current head coaching vacancies, only one special teams coordinator, Chris Tabor, has emerged as a potential candidate. Tabor, who also served as an interim head coach, believes that his experience in overseeing special teams provides the best training to run an entire team. Tabor's sentiment is echoed by notable Super Bowl-winning coaches like Bill Cowher, who himself started his coaching career as a special teams coach.

Prominent figures in the NFL, including Bill Belichick, Marv Levy, Dick Vermeil, Dennis Green, and John Harbaugh, all honed their skills as special teams coordinators before ascending to head coaching positions. Harbaugh, who led the Baltimore Ravens to a Super Bowl victory, finds it disappointing and discouraging that special teams coordinators are often undervalued. He emphasizes that building and coaching teams is the very essence of their role, making them well-suited for head coaching positions.

Special teams coordinators are responsible for managing a wide array of aspects on the field, including kickoff and kick return, punt and punt return, field goals, and field goal blocks. Almost every player on the roster has a role on special teams, further highlighting the coordinators' ability to handle team dynamics and effectively manage differing skill sets. In fact, renowned coaches such as Belichick have routinely utilized their star players in special teams units, emphasizing the importance of every aspect of the game.

While special teams coordinators may not typically work directly with quarterbacks, they play a crucial role in understanding situational needs and effectively communicating them to the entire team. Saints special teams coordinator Darren Rizzi, who has been interviewed for head coaching positions, points out that his experience in guiding special teams has allowed him to develop a clear understanding of key moments in a game.

Contrary to the belief that head coaches must have previously coached quarterbacks, Cowher argues that having a vision and building strong relationships with players are far more important qualities. The notion that a head coach must have experience coaching a specific position is deemed as absurd by Harbaugh, who questions why quarterback coaches would need prior relationships with cornerbacks or defensive linemen.

In addition to their expertise in situational football, special teams coordinators excel in roster management and evaluating players' unique skills. They frequently adapt to the availability and health of players to fill out special teams units effectively. This flexibility not only showcases their ability to make adjustments but also emphasizes that they are not bound to one specific scheme.

Despite their proficiency in various aspects of coaching, special teams coordinators often face stereotypes and biases when it comes to head coaching positions. However, their exceptional communication skills, high-energy approach, and ability to motivate players make them well-suited for the role. Harbaugh highlights the importance of finding and developing coaches who can rise to the occasion when needed, rather than relying on specific systems or play-callers.

As the search for the next head coaches continues, many believe that owners should embrace the potential offered by special teams coordinators. By recognizing their unique skill set and breaking free from traditional coaching norms, teams may uncover the next "unicorn" head coach who can lead their franchise to success.

In a league that thrives on innovation and forward-thinking, it is crucial not to overlook the hidden gems that lie within the special teams meeting room. Special teams coordinators have proved time and again that they possess the necessary qualities to lead a team to victory, and it's high time they receive the recognition they deserve.