US EditionRams Fire Special Teams Coordinator Chase Blackburn, AP Source Says
The Rams replaced special teams coordinator Chase Blackburn with Ben Kotwica after special teams errors contributed to a key loss and a drop to second place in NFC West.
- On Dec 20, 2025, the Los Angeles Rams fired special teams coordinator Chase Blackburn, with ESPN reporter Adam Schefter stating, it's "ESPN sources: Rams fired special teams coordinator Chase Blackburn."
- After the Week 16 38-37 overtime loss to Seattle, the firing came two days later following a 58-yard punt return touchdown by Rashid Shaheed that sparked the Seahawks' comeback.
- Kicking woes, including a missed potential game-winner, plagued Harrison Mevis, Rams kicker, as the team made just 75% of field goals in 2025 and allowed 16.3 yards per punt return.
- Ben Kotwica is set to take over interim special teams duties, marking the first in-season coaching change under Sean McVay with two games remaining.
- Special teams' season-long struggles have been a recurring problem, as the special teams unit played a decisive role in three of the Rams' four losses this season after Blackburn joined the Rams in 2023 and introduced the `knuckleball kickoff`.
48 Articles
48 Articles
Jackson Progress-Argus
Reports: Rams fire assistant Chase Blackburn after special teams miscues
The Los Angeles Rams, after special teams miscues proved costly in the overtime loss Thursday at Seattle, have fired special teams coordinator Chase Blackburn, according to multiple media reports on Saturday.
“Isn’t this the guy who picked off Tom Brady in 2012”: NFL fans react as Rams fire special teams coordinator Chase Blackburn after loss vs. Seahawks
The LA Rams parted ways with their special teams coordinator, Chase Blackburn, on Saturday, two days after they lost 38-37 to the Seattle Seahawks in a crucial game for the NFC West title.
Rams Make ‘Rare’ Final Decision on Polarizing Super Bowl Champion
The Los Angeles Rams lost just their fourth game of the season, and they can still earn the No. 1 seed in the NFC, though they no longer control their destiny in that regard. Despite that, Rams head coach Sean McVay has made a drastic final decision.It comes in the wake of several others that seemed to be leading directly to his latest action.McVay emerged with gripes about multiple items from before, during, and after the game, but he was swift…
Associated Press News
Rams fire special teams coordinator Chase Blackburn, AP source says
The Rams have fired special teams coordinator Chase Blackburn after his unit made several mistakes in Los Angeles’ loss at Seattle on Thursday, according to a person with knowledge of the decision.
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