Saturday, Jan 30, 2010 11:52 AM

Panthers promote Rodgers to special teams coordinator

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The Carolina Panthers announced Saturday that Jeff Rodgers has been promoted to special teams coordinator, replacing the fired Danny Crossman.

Rodgers, 32, served as a special teams and strength and conditioning assistant in his first year on Panthers coach John Fox's staff this past season.

Rodgers spent the 2008 season as special teams coach at Kansas State. The former North Texas linebacker also worked for the San Francisco 49ers from 2003 to 2007.

Rodgers will take over a unit that ranked near the bottom of the NFL in several statistical categories, including punt and kickoff coverage.