Ben Kotwica

Ben Kotwica
Personal information
Born: (1974-12-08) December 8, 1974 (age 50)
Tinley Park, Illinois, U.S.
Career information
College:Army (1993–1996)
Career history
As a coach:

Ben Kotwica (born, December 8, 1974) is an American football coach who was most recently the special teams coordinator for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League (NFL).

Career

Kotwica was a linebacker and team captain for Army from 1993 to 1996. Before his career in coaching, Kotwica served in the United States Army as a helicopter pilot, reaching the rank of Captain by 2004. In addition to missions in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Korea, he is a veteran of the Iraq War.[1]

New York Jets

In 2007, Kotwica was hired by the New York Jets to be their defense/special teams quality control coach. In 2013, Kotwica was promoted to special teams coordinator.[2]

Washington Redskins

On January 15, 2014, the Washington Redskins announced Kotwica as their special teams coordinator, serving under newly appointed head coach, Jay Gruden.[3] After coaching five seasons with the Redskins, Kotwica requested and was granted permission to interview with other teams.[4]

Atlanta Falcons

The Atlanta Falcons announced that Kotwica was hired as their new special teams coordinator on January 9, 2019.[4] Kotwica was fired on October 12, 2020.

Minnesota Vikings

On February 23, 2022, Kotwica was hired by the Minnesota Vikings to serve as the team's assistant special teams coach for the 2022 season.[5]

Denver Broncos

On February 25, 2023, Kotwica was hired by the Denver Broncos as their special teams coordinator under head coach Sean Payton.[6] Kotwica was fired on January 17, 2025.[7]

References

  1. ^ Schad, Tom (September 3, 2014). "Iraq War veteran Ben Kotwica brings authority to Redskins' special teams". WashingtonTimes.com. Retrieved January 9, 2019.
  2. ^ "NY Jets new special teams coordinator Ben Kotwica prepared to fill shoes of Mike Westhoff". June 6, 2013. Retrieved February 1, 2018.
  3. ^ Gantt, Darin (January 15, 2014). "Redskins lure Jets special teams coach away". NBCSports.com. Retrieved January 9, 2019.
  4. ^ a b Hailey, Peter (January 9, 2019). "Ben Kotwica's departure marks the first official coaching change for the Redskins". NBCSports.com. Retrieved January 9, 2019.
  5. ^ "Vikings add Daronte Jones, Mike Smith, Ben Kotwica to coaching staff".
  6. ^ DiLalla, Aric (February 25, 2023). "Broncos announce series of coaching hires". DenverBroncos.com. Retrieved February 25, 2023.
  7. ^ Legwold, Jeff (January 17, 2025). "Sources: Broncos fire special teams coordinator". ESPN. Retrieved January 17, 2025.