Chargers block Giants from interviewing special teams coordiantor Ryan Ficken

Ficken has led the Chargers special teams unit for the past two seasons.

On Wednesday evening, NFL insider Mike Garafolo reported that the Chargers blocked the New York Giants from attempting to interview special teams coordinator Ryan Ficken. Ficken was hired to Brandon Staley’s staff prior to the 2022 season and has been key in the unit’s improvement since arriving in Los Angeles.

Earlier this week, rookie wide receiver Derius Davis was named to the NFLPA’s Players’ All-Pro Team as a punt returner. The 2023 fourth-round pick starred in the return game, averaging 16.0 yards per attempt and housing a 87-yard punt return for a touchdown against the Jets. He was also a holding-penalty away from being the only player in the NFL to return multiple punts this year for a score.

Under Ficken’s watch, punter JK Scott recorded a career-high 46.3-yard average with a new career long of 83 yards. He also landed 30 of his 77 punts inside the 20-yard line, another high mark for his career.

Lastly, kicker Cameron Dicker has posted the two most accurate seasons by a Chargers kicker in franchise history over the past two years under Ficken. Dicker has converted 31-of-33 field goals this year, including seven-of-nine from beyond 50 yards.