The Los Angeles Rams have made a significant coaching change, firing special teams coordinator Chase Blackburn after his unit’s costly mistakes contributed to a critical loss against the Seattle Seahawks that impacted playoff positioning.
The Rams have fired special teams coordinator Chase Blackburn after his unit made several critical mistakes in Los Angeles’ loss at Seattle on Thursday, according to a person with knowledge of the decision who spoke to The Associated Press.
The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity Saturday because the playoff-bound Rams (11-4) hadn’t publicly announced Sean McVay’s first significant in-season staffing change in his nine-year tenure. Assistant Ben Kotwica is expected to replace Blackburn, who was in his third season in the position.
Special Teams Struggles Throughout Season
The Rams’ special teams unit has been problematic throughout the 2025 season, culminating in Thursday’s disastrous performance against Seattle. The team already changed kickers and long snappers last month after Joshua Karty and his unit missed multiple opportunities to win games against Philadelphia and San Francisco.
Special teams played a decisive role in the Rams’ 38-37 overtime loss to Seattle, a defeat that will likely prevent Los Angeles from winning the NFC West or earning the No. 1 seed in the playoffs.
Critical Fourth Quarter Collapse
The Rams led 30-14 in the fourth quarter when they surrendered a touchdown on a 58-yard punt return by Seattle’s Rashid Shaheed following a poor punt by Ethan Evans. This pivotal play shifted momentum dramatically in Seattle’s favor.
Harrison Mevis then missed a crucial 48-yard field goal attempt with 2:07 remaining, preventing the Rams from retaking the lead. Mevis had taken over kicking duties after Karty’s struggles, and until this attempt, he hadn’t missed a kick all season.
Blackburn’s Background
Chase Blackburn enjoyed an 11-year NFL playing career as a linebacker, primarily with the New York Giants (2005-2012) where he won two Super Bowl championships (XLII and XLVI). He also played for the Carolina Panthers (2013-2014) before transitioning into coaching.
Blackburn began his coaching career with the Giants as a special teams assistant in 2016 before joining the Rams’ staff in 2023. His dismissal marks the first major in-season coaching change of Sean McVay’s nine-year tenure as head coach.
The Rams organization now faces critical decisions as they prepare for postseason competition while addressing special teams deficiencies that have cost them multiple games this season.
