Why did Rams fire special teams coordinator Chase Blackburn?
Rams fire special teams coordinator Chase Blackburn: Breaking fallout and replacement watch
Rams fire special teams coordinator Chase Blackburn in a surprise move that shocks the roster and alarms fans. The team announced the firing late Saturday, and immediate questions erupted about game management and roster trust. Because special teams errors contributed to three of the Rams’ four losses this season, the decision feels urgent.
Ben Kotwica will take over as lead special teams coach, but a broader search could change plans. However, coaches, players, and front office voices must adjust quickly to stabilize kick, punt, and return units. As a result, special teams strategy and personnel changes could unfold before the next game.
This firing ends Blackburn’s run with the Rams and restarts a coaching carousel that began in Carolina in 2016. Meanwhile, analysts will weigh Blackburn’s ten-year NFL experience against the Rams’ immediate needs. We will have more news on Blackburn as it becomes available.
Chase Blackburn career timeline and milestones
| Period | Role | Team | Notes and major achievements |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005–2014 | Linebacker (player) | New York Giants and Carolina Panthers | Undrafted out of Akron in 2005; 10-year NFL career; 132 games, 45 starts; 372 tackles; 4.5 sacks; 4 interceptions; 1 touchdown; 10 pass deflections; 6 forced fumbles; 5 fumble recoveries |
| 2016–2017 | Assistant special teams coach | Carolina Panthers | Hired by Carolina in 2016 to begin NFL coaching career |
| 2018–2021 | Special teams coordinator | Carolina Panthers | Promoted in 2018; retained on Matt Rhule’s staff in 2020; fired after 2021 season |
| 2022 | Assistant special teams coach | Tennessee Titans | Joined Titans as an assistant special teams coach after Carolina departure |
| 2023–2025 | Special teams coordinator | Los Angeles Rams | Hired as Rams special teams coordinator in 2023; fired Dec 20, 2025 after special teams miscues; Ben Kotwica named lead special teams coach |
Further reading and sources
Rams fire special teams coordinator Chase Blackburn — reasons behind the move
The Rams fire special teams coordinator Chase Blackburn after a stretch of costly errors that hurt the team’s record. Special teams played a role in three of the Rams’ four losses this season. Those breakdowns changed field position and momentum. Because of those results, the coaching staff and front office concluded a change was necessary to stop the slide.
Coverage breakdowns, missed tackles, and return lane mistakes repeatedly gave opponents easy scoring chances. Moreover, a blocked kick and several poor punt executions altered late-game outcomes. Ben Kotwica will take over as lead special teams coach. He faces an immediate task to fix fundamentals and communication. Therefore, special teams personnel and game plans could shift before the next matchup.
Blackburn arrived in 2023 with a solid résumé, having coordinated in Carolina and worked with the Titans. However, NFL coaching is results driven, and inconsistent units forced the decision. As the organization said in an internal note, “We will have more news on Blackburn as it becomes available.”
The firing also signals broader urgency for the Rams’ playoff push. If special teams do not stabilize, the team risks diminished field position and lost games. As a result, expect quicker tactical adjustments and scrutiny of roster spots that affect kicks and returns.
Potential replacements with Ben Kotwica as lead special teams coach
Ben Kotwica will step in as the Rams lead special teams coach following the decision. Fans and analysts expect immediate adjustments in coverage and execution. Because special teams directly influenced three of the Rams four losses this season, the front office chose continuity for the short term. Kotwica inherits a unit that needs sharper tackling, cleaner lanes, and more reliable kickoff and punt execution.
Kotwica will likely prioritize fundamentals and communication during practice. He has experience working on NFL special teams units and will emphasize alignment and timing. Therefore, expect schematic tweaks to kickoff formations and return rules. As a result, players who struggled may face roster scrutiny, and coaches may shuffle roles to improve field position.
Longer term, the Rams may still explore external candidates to lead special teams. However, promoting Kotwica buys time during the playoff push and reduces disruption. Meanwhile, the organization will monitor changes in game outcomes before committing to a permanent hire. We will have more news on Blackburn as it becomes available.
Coaches will track special teams metrics closely, because field position matters greatly. Specifically, net punting, opponent return average, and penalty counts will be monitored. Improvement in these areas could swing late games and help the playoff drive.
Conclusion
The Rams firing of Chase Blackburn marks a decisive move to address glaring special teams issues. Special teams mistakes cost the team field position and momentum in multiple games. As a result, the organization acted to halt the slide and to protect its playoff hopes. Ben Kotwica will lead the unit immediately, and the team will measure progress by cleaner coverage, better tackling, and fewer penalties.
Moving forward, expect quicker tactical adjustments and a focus on fundamentals during practice. Coaches will watch net punting, opponent return average, and penalty counts closely. If those metrics improve, the Rams can restore confidence in late-game situations. However, persistent problems would force a longer term search for a new coordinator.
In short, this firing underlines how critical special teams remain to NFL success. Therefore, the Rams must stabilize this unit to salvage their season. For ongoing coverage and updates about the Rams and this story, visit Rams News LLC and follow updates on Twitter at @ZachGatsby.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Rams fire Chase Blackburn?
They fired him after repeated special teams breakdowns that contributed to three of the team’s four losses this season. Coverage lapses, missed tackles, a blocked kick and poor punt execution repeatedly cost field position and momentum.
Who will run the unit now?
Ben Kotwica will serve as lead special teams coach immediately. He will prioritize fundamentals, alignment and communication to secure quicker fixes and clearer player assignments.
How might this change affect the team on game day?
Expect improved kickoff and punt coverage, cleaner return lanes and fewer penalties leading to more stable field position. Changes may take several weeks to translate into more wins.
Will the Rams conduct a wider search for a permanent coordinator?
The internal promotion buys time during the playoff push but the team could still pursue external candidates if performance does not improve. Management will monitor special teams metrics before making a long term decision.
What should fans watch for next?
Track net punting, opponent return average and penalty counts as key indicators of improvement. Also watch for roster shifts affecting kickoff and punt return roles.