Full Breakdown
Atlanta Falcons Hire Chase Blackburn as Assistant Special Teams Coach
2/12/2026, 1:11:10 PM
Core Event: Blackburn Joins Falcons Coaching Staff
The Atlanta Falcons have officially hired Chase Blackburn as their new assistant special teams coach, as reported by NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. Blackburn, a former linebacker who played a significant role in the New York Giants' Super Bowl victories in 2008 and 2012, will work under special teams coordinator Craig Aukerman. This move comes after Blackburn's recent dismissal from the Los Angeles Rams, where he served as the special teams coordinator for the past three seasons.
Background & Context: Blackburn's Coaching Journey
Chase Blackburn began his NFL career with the New York Giants in 2005, where he played until 2012, accumulating 372 tackles, 4.5 sacks, and four interceptions. After retiring, he transitioned into coaching, starting as an assistant special teams coach with the Carolina Panthers in 2016. Blackburn was promoted to special teams coordinator in 2018, a role he held until the end of the 2021 season. Following a brief stint as the assistant special teams coach for the Tennessee Titans in 2022, he joined the Rams in 2023.
Recent Performance and Dismissal
Blackburn's tenure with the Rams ended after a series of special teams failures, culminating in a critical loss to the Seattle Seahawks in Week 16 of the 2025 season. The Rams' special teams unit allowed a pivotal 58-yard punt return touchdown, contributing to a narrow 38-37 overtime defeat. This performance led to his firing with two games remaining in the regular season.
Why It Matters: Impact on Falcons' Special Teams
The hiring of Blackburn is part of a broader strategy by the Falcons to enhance their special teams unit. With Blackburn's extensive experience in the NFC South, particularly with the Panthers, he brings valuable knowledge and expertise to the Falcons' coaching staff. This move follows the recent appointment of Craig Aukerman as the special teams coordinator, indicating a focused effort to improve the team's performance in this critical area.
Official Statements & Responses
The Falcons have not publicly commented on Blackburn's hiring, but the decision aligns with their recent coaching changes aimed at revitalizing the team's performance. Blackburn's previous experience and familiarity with the division may provide the Falcons with a competitive edge.
Criticism & Opposition
While Blackburn's hiring has been generally well-received, some analysts question the effectiveness of his previous special teams units, particularly the one that struggled under his leadership with the Rams. Critics argue that the Falcons must ensure that Blackburn can address the issues that plagued his past teams to avoid similar pitfalls.
What's Next: Future Developments
As Blackburn integrates into the Falcons' coaching staff, the team will look to improve their special teams performance in the upcoming season. The effectiveness of this hiring will be closely monitored as the Falcons prepare for the 2026 NFL season.
