Rams promote Kotwica to special teams coordinator after Blackburn firing, but skeptics question quick improvement

The move marks Sean McVay’s first in season firing in nine years. However, special teams troubles run deep, and mistakes have cost games recently. Ben Kotwica arrives with a mixed resume from Denver, so questions about scheme and execution persist. The Rams also hired Matt Harper as an outside consultant to add new ideas. However he lacks a notable track record.

This introduction examines whether Kotwica can turn around punt coverage, kickoff strategy and field goal planning in time. We will analyze his Broncos tenure and the blocked field goal that raised doubts. We will also explain why two weeks may not suffice. Readers who follow NFL coaching moves will find the analysis timely and skeptical.

Rams allowed a key punt return touchdown in Week 16, so fans and analysts grew frustrated. A blocked field goal at Arrowhead further fueled criticism about kick planning. Therefore this piece does not assume overnight fixes, but it will examine likely outcomes.

Rams promote Kotwica to special teams coordinator after Blackburn firing

The Rams moved quickly after firing Chase Blackburn. The decision signaled urgency because special teams miscues cost the team key moments. Ben Kotwica steps in as interim special teams coordinator, and the Rams added Matt Harper as an outside consultant. However the changes raise questions about immediate impact.

Key background points

• The Rams fired Chase Blackburn during the season, marking Sean McVay’s first in season firing in nine years. For more on Blackburn’s departure, see this article.
• Ben Kotwica earned the promotion from within. He previously coached special teams for the Denver Broncos before being let go in January 2025. The Broncos link to Kotwica’s departure is here.
• The Rams also brought in Matt Harper as an outside consultant to add ideas and a fresh voice. Harper’s background lacks notable NFL credits, so his impact remains uncertain. Background on the staffing changes is available at this link.

Why this matters now

• Special teams errors recently decided games for Los Angeles. For example, the unit allowed a game altering punt return touchdown in Week 16. Therefore fan frustration boiled over.
• Kotwica’s Broncos units finished top 10 in special teams at times, but they also suffered high profile breakdowns. For instance, a blocked field goal in Kansas City raised questions about kick planning.
• Kotwica adjusted line schemes and improved some coverage. However inconsistency in the second half of the season suggests deeper execution issues.

In short, the Rams changed coaches to stop the bleeding. Yet two weeks before playoffs may not give enough time to fix scheme and mechanics. As a result, expect skepticism until special teams show tangible improvement.

Analysis: Kotwica’s mixed resume and why skepticism makes sense

Ben Kotwica arrives with a record that looks solid on paper. He coached Denver to top-10 special teams finishes in both seasons. However the details undermine a simple, optimistic read.

• Kotwica improved coverage with tactical line adjustments, yet lapses persisted. For instance, a blocked field goal in Kansas City proved costly. That 35-yard attempt by Lutz preserved a Chiefs 16-14 win. Therefore doubts about kick planning followed.
• Sean Payton ultimately fired Kotwica on January 17, 2025. Payton cited concerns about planning and execution after high profile mistakes. As a result, Kotwica left Denver with praise and questions.

Kotwica’s tenure shows both strengths and limits. He helped design better punt return schemes and improved kickoff coverage at times. However he did not consistently prevent late-game breakdowns. Moreover, special teams success is not only numbers. As one line of thought put it, “You are not just your statistical success as a special teams coach though. That unit is measured more by nuance and individual plays — did you allow a key return touchdown (as the Rams did in Week 16) or a blocked field goal or shank a critical punt? — not just ‘what did you rank in punt return yards?’ ”

The Rams promoted Kotwica from inside the building. Consequently, critics argue this move is not a dramatic change. In that vein, some bluntly stated, “Kotwica is not a change of special teams in L.A. because he’s merely being promoted.” Additionally the team added Matt Harper as an outside consultant. Yet observers noted, “Harper hasn’t, he’s the only thing representing a new voice here, but he has no noteworthy to track record to speak of.”

Those points explain the article’s skeptical tone. The unit committed critical errors recently, including a Week 16 punt return touchdown. Fans and coaches reacted, and someone said, “this isn’t on one player … this is on all of us. This is on us as coaches.” Therefore accountability matters.

Realistically, two weeks before playoffs limits what any coordinator can do. Scheme tweaks help, but fixing technique and discipline takes time. So should we expect Kotwica to ‘fix’ the Rams’ special teams problems in the final two weeks of the season and playoffs? That’s probably not going to happen.

This table helps visualize why analysts remain skeptical about a quick turnaround.

CONCLUSION

Ben Kotwica stepped into the role after Chase Blackburn’s firing. However, his resume in Denver shows mixed results. Therefore expectations for a fast fix should stay measured.

Kotwica produced top 10 special teams finishes with the Broncos. His line adjustments helped at times. But he also oversaw costly breakdowns, including a blocked field goal at Arrowhead. Sean Payton dismissed him after concerns about kick planning and late errors. As a result, doubts followed his hiring in Los Angeles.

The Rams added Matt Harper as an outside consultant. Yet Harper lacks a notable NFL track record. Internal promotion aids faster onboarding. So the staff now blends continuity with an unproven new voice. That mix may stabilize fundamentals, but it likely will not cure deeper issues quickly.

Special teams win games through nuance, discipline and execution. Because those traits take time, expecting instant results is unrealistic. Consequently, skepticism remains the right stance heading into the playoffs. We’ll watch whether Kotwica and Harper reduce returns and tighten kick coverage.

Rams News LLC, website: ramsnews.com, Twitter/X: @ZachGatsby. This coverage stays skeptical but fair. Stay tuned for updates as events unfold.

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