Newly appointed Washington head coach Dan Quinn is swiftly assembling an impressive coaching staff. Shortly after the official announcement of Quinn’s hiring by the Commanders, it was disclosed that former Cardinals head coach Kliff Kingsbury would serve as the offensive coordinator, and Joe Whitt Jr., the former secondary coach for the Dallas Cowboys, would join as the defensive coordinator.
In a recent report by Ben Standig of The Athletic, Larry Izzo is revealed to be the new special teams coordinator for the Commanders, showcasing Quinn’s commitment to building a formidable coaching lineup.
Here are six noteworthy facts about Larry Izzo:
1. Ashburn Connection: Izzo’s roots tie back to Ashburn, Virginia, where the Washington Commanders’ facilities are based. He attended Broad Run High School in Ashburn during his first two years before moving to Texas.
2. Hall of Fame Endorsement: Jimmy Johnson, the legendary former head coach, expressed early confidence in Izzo’s abilities during his rookie year with the Miami Dolphins. Johnson named only two players guaranteed a spot on the 1996 opening-day roster: Dan Marino and Izzo.
3. Patriots Dynasty: Izzo played a pivotal role in the New England Patriots’ dynasty, contributing to three Super Bowl victories during his eight seasons with the team. He earned three Pro Bowl selections and was named first-team All-Pro.
4. Special Teams Tackles Record: With 298 special teams tackles in his 14-season career, Izzo is unofficially credited with holding the NFL record for the most special teams tackles.
5. The Unusual Game Ball: Bill Belichick, considered one of the greatest NFL head coaches, once awarded Izzo a game ball for a unique achievement. During a game, Izzo reportedly defecated on the sideline, a story Wes Welker confirmed, highlighting the unusual yet memorable recognition from Belichick.
6. Successful Coaching Career: Izzo has transitioned seamlessly into coaching, with stints at the Giants, Texans, Seahawks, and now the Commanders. His recent three-year tenure as Seattle’s primary special teams coordinator showcased consistent success, ranking inside the top 10 in special teams DVOA each year from 2021 to 2023.
Larry Izzo’s impressive background and coaching experience position him as a valuable asset to the Commanders’ coaching staff under Dan Quinn’s leadership.
