Darren Rizzi, 54, has been appointed as the Assistant Head Coach and Special Teams Coordinator for the Denver Broncos. This move reunites him with head coach Sean Payton, with whom he previously collaborated at the New Orleans Saints from 2019 to 2021.
Rizzi’s coaching journey began in 1993 as a graduate assistant at Colgate University. He then served in various roles at the University of New Haven, including Special Teams Coordinator and Defensive Line Coach (1994–1996), Defensive Coordinator (1997), and Head Coach (1999–2001). In 2002, he joined Rutgers University as Special Teams Coordinator, a position he held until 2007. Rizzi returned to his alma mater, the University of Rhode Island, as Head Coach in 2008, compiling a 3–9 record. His NFL career commenced in 2009 with the Miami Dolphins, where he served as Assistant Special Teams Coach and later as Special Teams Coordinator until 2018. In 2019, he joined the New Orleans Saints as Special Teams Coordinator, later adding Assistant Head Coach to his responsibilities. Following the dismissal of head coach Dennis Allen in November 2024, Rizzi served as the Saints’ Interim Head Coach, leading the team to a 3–5 record.
During his tenure with the Saints, Rizzi was instrumental in developing one of the league’s top special teams units. His leadership was particularly evident during his interim head coaching stint in 2024, where he revitalized the team’s performance, including a notable victory over the Atlanta Falcons that ended a seven-game losing streak.
Rizzi’s move to the Denver Broncos marks a significant chapter in his coaching career. His extensive experience, particularly in special teams, aligns with the Broncos’ strategic focus on enhancing their special teams unit. The collaboration with Sean Payton is expected to bring a cohesive coaching philosophy to the Broncos, leveraging their prior successful partnership.
As the Assistant Head Coach and Special Teams Coordinator for the Denver Broncos, Rizzi is poised to make a substantial impact. His proven track record in special teams and leadership roles positions him to contribute significantly to the Broncos’ organizational goals. The synergy between Rizzi and Payton is anticipated to foster a dynamic coaching environment, potentially leading to improved performance and success for the team in the upcoming seasons.