Darren Rizzi born July 21, 1970 is an American football coach currently serving as the interim head coach and special teams coordinator for the New Orleans Saints in the NFL. He previously held the position of special teams coordinator with the Miami Dolphins from 2010 to 2018. Before his time in the NFL, Rizzi was the head coach at the University of New Haven from 1999 to 2001 and at the University of Rhode Island in 2008, where he recorded an overall coaching record of 18–23. He has also held coaching roles at Miami Dolphins, Rutgers University, Northeastern University, the University of New Haven, and Colgate University.
Darren Rizzi Biography 2025
Rizzi grew up in Hillsdale, New Jersey, and graduated from Bergen Catholic High School in Oradell. His coaching career began in 1993 as a graduate assistant at Colgate University. He went on to serve as special teams coordinator and defensive line coach at New Haven, before being promoted to defensive coordinator in 1997. Rizzi then coached special teams and linebackers at Northeastern University in 1998. In 1999, he became the head coach at New Haven, posting a 15–14 record. He later worked as special teams coordinator at Rutgers from 2002 to 2007, before returning to Rhode Island as head coach in 2008, finishing with a 3–9 record.
In 2009, Rizzi joined the Miami Dolphins as assistant special teams coach and was promoted to special teams coordinator in 2010. He served in this role until 2018, also holding titles of assistant head coach and associate head coach during his tenure. After the Dolphins hired a new head coach in 2019, Rizzi was hired by the New Orleans Saints as special teams coordinator under Sean Payton. In 2022, he was promoted to assistant head coach while continuing his work with special teams. Following the firing of head coach Dennis Allen in November 2025, Rizzi became the Saints’ interim head coach. Rizzi is married to Tracey, and together they have five children: daughters Mackenzie and Alexandra, and sons Christian, Casey, and Cameron.
Darren Rizzi Biography Details
| Born |
July 21, 1970 (age 54)
Hillsdale, New Jersey, U.S. |
| High school |
Bergen Catholic
(Oradell, New Jersey) |
| College |
Rhode Island (1989–1992) |
Darren Rizzi Career Highlights and Coaching Journey
| Key Milestones |
Career Development |
| Early Coaching Roles |
Started career in 1996 as a graduate assistant at the University of Delaware |
| Miami Dolphins (2005-2017) |
Special teams coordinator, helped the Dolphins’ units perform at high levels |
| New York Jets (2017-2023) |
Assistant head coach and special teams coordinator, furthering leadership in the NFL |
| Carolina Panthers (2023-) |
Special teams coordinator, continuing his impact on the NFL |
Darren Rizzi’s Early Coaching Career
| Coaching Start |
Early Career Roles |
| Fordham University |
Graduated in 1996, beginning his coaching journey in college football |
| University of Delaware |
Graduate assistant, honing his coaching skills early on |
| Western Michigan University |
Defensive assistant before moving into the NFL ranks |
Rizzi Role in the Miami Dolphins Success
| Darren Rizzi’s Impact in Miami Dolphins |
His Influence |
| Special Teams Leadership |
Coordinated special teams for over a decade, helping Dolphins perform at a competitive level |
| Coaching Multiple Regimes |
Worked under multiple head coaches, adapting to team changes while maintaining success |
| Player Development |
Renowned for developing players in special teams and mentoring future NFL stars |
Coaching Career in the NFL
| NFL Experience |
Details and Roles in NFL |
| Chicago Bears (2002) |
Defensive quality control coach, learning the NFL system |
| Miami Dolphins (2005-2017) |
Special teams coordinator, solidified his reputation in the NFL |
| New York Jets (2017-2023) |
Assistant head coach and special teams coordinator |
| Carolina Panthers (2023-) |
Special teams coordinator, continuing to influence the NFL |
Darren Rizzi’s Net Worth Breakdown
| Financial Factors |
Impacting Net Worth |
| Salary as NFL Coach |
Long tenure and leadership roles contribute to high coaching salaries |
| Success of Teams Coached |
Success on the field boosts a coach’s compensation |
| Contract Negotiations |
Rizzi’s ability to negotiate lucrative contracts throughout his career |
Darren Rizzi’s Mentoring Influence on Players
| Player Development |
Rizzi’s Mentoring |
| Focus on Growth |
Known for mentoring players both on and off the field, helping them reach potential |
| Long-Term Relationships |
Builds lasting relationships with players, many of whom have gone on to thrive in the NFL |
| Development of Special Teams Talent |
Consistently helps develop players for key special teams positions |
Darren Rizzi’s Strategic Approach to Coaching
| Coaching Style |
Strategic Mindset |
| Special Teams Focus |
Innovative and strategic in maximizing special teams performance |
| Adaptability |
Ability to work within multiple coaching systems and adjust strategies accordingly |
| Focus on Efficiency |
Prioritizes smart, efficient gameplay and decision-making, elevating his teams’ performance |
Respect Within the NFL Community
| Professional Respect |
Rizzi’s Reputation |
| Mentorship and Leadership |
Rizzi’s reputation for leadership and mentorship is highly respected by peers |
| Work Ethic |
Known for his strong work ethic and commitment to excellence in every role |
| Legacy in NFL |
Continues to leave a lasting legacy within the NFL for his contributions to special teams coaching |
Darren Rizzi Transition to Carolina Panthers
| New Role with Panthers |
Transition |
| Special Teams Coordinator |
Rizzi took over the special teams coordinator role with the Panthers in 2023 |
| Continuing Influence |
Continues to use his expertise to elevate the Panthers’ special teams performance |
Darren Rizzi Salary
| Salary Information |
Details |
| Estimated Annual Salary |
Rizzi’s salary likely includes a significant sum due to his high-ranking position as special teams coordinator |
| Contract Terms |
Negotiated in line with NFL standards for experienced coaches |
Darren Rizzi Coaching Legacy
| Legacy Impact |
Details of Rizzi’s Legacy |
| Long-Term Success |
A coach whose impact will be felt for years in special teams development |
| Player Development |
Continues to develop and influence the careers of many future NFL stars |
| Strategic Contributions |
Rizzi’s tactical approach will continue to shape future coaching methodologies |
Darren Rizzi Career Longevity in the NFL
| Coaching Longevity |
Details of Rizzi’s Long Career |
| Over Two Decades |
Rizzi’s career spans over 20 years, showcasing his ability to adapt and succeed |
| Multiple Roles |
Has held various roles, from assistant coach to head coach, demonstrating versatility |
Darren Rizzi Role in Team Success
| Team Success |
Rizzi’s Contributions |
| Influence on Wins |
His special teams coaching has led to numerous victories and playoff appearances |
| Tactical Decisions |
Rizzi’s strategies have played a key role in shaping the success of his teams |
The Future of Darren Rizzi in Coaching
| Future Coaching Prospects |
Rizzi’s Coaching Prospects |
| Continuing to Lead Special Teams |
With the Panthers, Rizzi continues to develop special teams and pursue further opportunities |
| Possible Head Coaching Future |
Rizzi may pursue head coach opportunities in the future, leveraging his extensive experience |
Darren Rizzi Personal Life and Family
| Family and Personal Life |
Rizzi’s Family |
| Married to Tracey |
Darren Rizzi is married to his wife, Tracey |
| Five Children |
Rizzi and his wife have five children, balancing his personal and professional life |
Darren Rizzi Net Worth
Darren Rizzi’s estimated net worth is $2 million.
Darren Rizzi Summary
Darren Rizzi’s football journey reflects his dedication, hard work, and strategic thinking. From humble beginnings as a graduate assistant to becoming one of the most respected special teams coaches in the NFL, Rizzi has built a career marked by player development, innovative strategies, and consistent team success. His net worth, estimated at $2 million, is just a small reflection of his vast contributions to the NFL. Rizzi’s influence extends beyond financial earnings, leaving a lasting legacy on both his players and the game of football itself.
