Matt Capurro Departs Seahawks and Rejoins Raiders: A Strategic Move in His Career
In a significant shift in the NFL coaching landscape, Matt Capurro, the well-respected special teams coordinator, has departed from the Seattle Seahawks and rejoined the Las Vegas Raiders. This move not only marks a homecoming for Capurro but also signals a broader strategic adjustment for both teams as the NFL offseason continues to unfold.
The Journey to Seattle
Before delving into Capurro’s decision to leave the Seahawks, it’s worth reflecting on his journey to Seattle and his impact during his tenure. Matt Capurro, a seasoned coach with years of experience in special teams, first joined the Seahawks in 2019. Seattle, known for its emphasis on well-rounded football, has always valued the importance of special teams as a critical component of its success. Capurro was brought in to enhance the team’s special teams unit, an area that had seen some inconsistency in previous seasons.
During his time with the Seahawks, Capurro made notable strides in improving the team’s special teams play. Under his guidance, the Seahawks enjoyed enhanced performance in both return game and coverage units. Capurro’s coaching style, which combines meticulous planning with a focus on player development, helped elevate Seattle’s special teams to a level where they consistently ranked among the league’s middle tier in effectiveness.
In 2021, the Seahawks had several pivotal moments in games where special teams played a major role. Whether it was a successful onside kick recovery, timely punt returns, or field goal blocking, Capurro’s unit was often a game-changer. His ability to motivate and draw the best out of players with varying skill levels was one of the reasons his tenure in Seattle was considered successful.
However, despite Capurro’s efforts, the Seahawks’ special teams was not immune to the typical challenges that come with the NFL’s fast-paced and ever-evolving landscape. As the season wore on, the Seahawks found themselves in the midst of a rebuilding phase, with changes needed across the board. The shift in the front office and coaching staff, as well as the eventual change in the team’s overall direction, laid the groundwork for Capurro’s departure.
The Call to Return to the Raiders
Matt Capurro’s decision to leave Seattle and return to the Las Vegas Raiders comes as no surprise given his prior connection to the franchise. Prior to his time with the Seahawks, Capurro was with the Raiders, serving as their assistant special teams coach from 2014 to 2017. During his time with the Raiders, Capurro helped mold one of the more effective special teams units in the NFL. His work with kick coverage, return teams, and field goals stood out, leading to positive results and an overall sense of stability within the unit.
When the Raiders decided to make changes to their special teams coaching staff, Capurro was one of the top names on the list to bring back. With the Raiders in the midst of a roster and staff shakeup, the team’s leadership saw an opportunity to re-establish a strong special teams foundation by bringing in a coach who already knew the organization’s culture and values. Capurro’s previous experience in Las Vegas, coupled with his ability to develop and inspire players, made him a natural fit to help stabilize a special teams unit that had experienced its fair share of inconsistencies in recent years.
Rejoining the Raiders presents an opportunity for Capurro to continue building on the legacy he began with the team in the early stages of his coaching career. It is a homecoming of sorts—one that also allows him to play a key role in a new chapter for the franchise.
The Impact on the Raiders
The Raiders’ special teams have had moments of brilliance, but at times, they have been unreliable, an issue that the organization is hoping to address in the 2025 season. Bringing in Capurro is seen as an investment in consistency and reliability, traits that are essential for a successful NFL special teams unit.
Capurro’s arrival signals that the Raiders are committed to strengthening the often-overlooked area of special teams. In many ways, special teams are where games can be won or lost, especially in tight matchups. In the NFL, success often hinges on small margins, and Capurro’s expertise could be exactly what the Raiders need to turn the tide in games where every point and every possession counts.
Under Capurro’s tutelage, the Raiders are likely to see a more disciplined special teams group with improved execution in all phases of the game. From field goal attempts to punts and kickoffs, Capurro’s attention to detail could lead to fewer mistakes and more opportunities for game-changing plays.
Moreover, Capurro’s ability to build strong relationships with his players will play a pivotal role in the development of young players on the team. Special teams often feature players from all levels of the depth chart, many of whom might not see action on offense or defense. Capurro’s experience in getting the most out of players who have a limited role on the roster is invaluable.
The Raiders are also likely to benefit from Capurro’s knack for identifying and refining emerging talent in special teams, whether it’s a wide receiver, cornerback, or linebacker with the potential to excel in the return game or coverage units.
The Seahawks’ Next Steps
While the departure of Capurro is a loss for the Seahawks, the team is no stranger to change. Seattle will now look to find a replacement capable of continuing the work Capurro began, improving the performance of special teams and maintaining the level of competitiveness the unit achieved during his tenure. The Seahawks’ front office and coaching staff will need to carefully vet candidates to ensure they find someone with a proven track record in special teams and a clear understanding of the culture the team has built over the past few seasons.
As the 2025 season approaches, the Seahawks will need to act quickly to ensure that their special teams play does not fall behind the competition. It’s an area of focus that could determine whether or not the team remains competitive within the tough NFC West division.
Conclusion
Matt Capurro’s departure from the Seahawks and return to the Raiders represents a significant shift in the NFL coaching ranks. His familiarity with the Raiders organization, combined with his track record of success in special teams, makes this move a promising one for Las Vegas. As for the Seahawks, the team will have to adjust to Capurro’s absence and find a suitable replacement to maintain the stability and competitiveness of their special teams unit. In the end, the move highlights the critical role that special teams play in determining the success of NFL teams, and Capurro’s ability to enhance that aspect of any franchise he works with will be remembered as one of his defining contributions to the league.
