Full Breakdown
Rams Fire Special Teams Coordinator Chase Blackburn Following Overtime Loss
12/20/2025, 11:54:56 PM
In-Season Coaching Change
The Los Angeles Rams have fired special teams coordinator Chase Blackburn, marking the first in-season coaching change made by head coach Sean McVay in his nine seasons with the team. This decision follows a critical 38-37 overtime loss to the Seattle Seahawks, where special teams errors significantly contributed to the defeat. The Rams, currently 11-4 and in second place in the NFC West, have struggled with special teams throughout the season, which has been a factor in three of their four losses.
Special Teams Struggles
In the recent game against the Seahawks, a pivotal moment occurred when Seattle's Rashid Shaheed returned a punt 58 yards for a touchdown, igniting a comeback that saw the Seahawks overcome a 16-point deficit. This miscue was compounded by a missed 48-yard field goal attempt by kicker Harrison Mevis, which would have given the Rams a late lead. The Rams' special teams unit has consistently underperformed, ranking 31st in the league with a 75% field goal success rate. Earlier in the season, Blackburn's unit was responsible for two blocked field goals in a loss to the Philadelphia Eagles and a critical blocked kick in an overtime loss to the San Francisco 49ers.
Official Statements & Responses
Sean McVay expressed his dissatisfaction with the special teams performance, stating, “I saw a flat, low kick that was not at all intended for what we wanted. You give a guy like that an opportunity, that’s where the momentum flipped.” This sentiment reflects the urgency behind the decision to dismiss Blackburn, who had been with the Rams since 2023. Assistant special teams coach Ben Kotwica has been appointed as Blackburn's replacement.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics of the Rams' special teams have pointed to a series of mistakes that have plagued the unit throughout the season. The Rams have faced backlash from fans and analysts alike for their inability to rectify these issues, which have cost them crucial games. The decision to fire Blackburn, while significant, has been seen as a necessary step to address ongoing concerns as the team aims for a championship run.
What's Next
With two regular season games remaining, the Rams will look to improve their special teams performance under Kotwica's leadership. They have already secured a playoff berth but will need to win their upcoming games against the Atlanta Falcons and Arizona Cardinals to maintain a chance at clinching the NFC West title and the top seed in the playoffs.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I saw a flat, low kick that was not at all intended for what we wanted,” — Sean McVay, Head Coach
- “We knew they had kind of a weak point with their special teams.” — Rashid Shaheed, Seahawks Wide Receiver
The Rams' decision to part ways with Blackburn underscores the critical nature of special teams in the NFL, particularly as they prepare for the postseason.
