Did Rams fire Chase Blackburn as special teams coordinator?
Breaking News: Rams Fire Chase Blackburn as Special Teams Coordinator
The team announced Monday that the Rams have fired Chase Blackburn as special teams coordinator. The move follows special teams mistakes that helped cause three of the Rams’ four losses.
Adam Schefter first reported the firing, and Ben Kotwica will take over as lead special teams coach.
The change arrives amid mounting scrutiny of coaching and roster choices.
Blackburn, 42, went undrafted out of Akron in 2005 and played ten NFL seasons. He joined the Rams in 2023 after a long playing and coaching career. However, his special teams units struggled this year.
Meanwhile, Rams brass face pressure to fix special teams quickly. As a result, fans and analysts expect immediate adjustments and clearer accountability.
Blackburn previously coached with Carolina and Tennessee and led special teams units in college and the NFL.
We will update this developing story as more official details and statements become available. Stay tuned for quotes, reactions, and analysis.
Career Overview: Rams fire Chase Blackburn as special teams coordinator
Chase Blackburn rose from an undrafted rookie to a decade-long NFL starter and then to an NFL coach. His path shows persistence, versatility, and steady advancement. However, recent results on special teams led to his dismissal, which we cover in context.
Playing Career and Early Years
Blackburn went undrafted out of Akron in 2005. He signed as a free agent and carved out a long NFL career. He played for the Giants and Panthers over ten seasons. During that time, he built a reputation as a reliable special teams contributor and linebacker.
Career Stats and Highlights
- Games played: 132 and 45 starts, showing sustained availability and trust from coaches.
- Total tackles: 372, reflecting consistent defensive work.
- Sacks: 4.5 and interceptions: 4, including one returned for a touchdown.
- Pass deflections: 10, forced fumbles: 6, and fumble recoveries: 5.
These numbers underscore his impact on the field. They also explain why teams valued his experience when he moved into coaching.
Coaching Journey: From Carolina to Los Angeles
After retiring, Blackburn joined the Carolina staff in 2016 as assistant special teams coach. He earned a promotion to special teams coordinator in 2018. Although Matt Rhule retained him in 2020, he left the staff after the 2021 season. Subsequently, he served as an assistant special teams coach with the Tennessee Titans.
In 2023, the Rams hired him as their special teams coordinator. The move aimed to strengthen coverage units and returns. Unfortunately, special teams errors factored into three of the Rams’ four losses this season, and ownership acted swiftly.
Legacy and Takeaways
Blackburn’s career shows resilience and a deep special teams résumé. Yet, in the NFL, results matter immediately. As a result, the team replaced him with Ben Kotwica to stabilize the units. Fans and analysts will weigh his coaching record alongside his long playing career as the story develops.
Table: Rams fire Chase Blackburn as special teams coordinator — Coaching staff comparison
| Item | Chase Blackburn (Fired) | Ben Kotwica (Appointed) |
|---|---|---|
| Role | Special teams coordinator, Los Angeles Rams | Lead special teams coach, Los Angeles Rams |
| Rams tenure | 2023–2025 (hired 2023; fired 2025) | 2025–present (named after Blackburn’s firing) |
| NFL playing career | Undrafted out of Akron in 2005; played 10 seasons with Giants and Panthers | Not applicable |
| Coaching history | Carolina assistant ST coach 2016; promoted to ST coordinator 2018; retained 2020; left 2021; Titans assistant ST coach; hired by Rams 2023 | Named to take over special teams; detailed past roles not provided in initial report |
| Career highlights | 132 games, 45 starts; 372 tackles; 4.5 sacks; 4 interceptions; 1 touchdown; 10 pass deflections; 6 forced fumbles; 5 fumble recoveries | Appointed to stabilize special teams; expected to address coverage and returns |
| Key notes | Special teams errors factored in three of the Rams’ four losses this season | Team promoted Kotwica to lead ST coach to restore units quickly |
What happened
Adam Schefter reported that the Rams fired special teams coordinator Chase Blackburn after multiple costly errors by the special teams units this season. The decision followed repeated breakdowns on kickoffs, punts, and returns that contributed to three of the team’s four losses.
Why it mattered
Special teams mistakes shifted field position and shortened the offense’s margin for error. Consequently, the defense faced tougher sequences and opponents scored more easily. In close games, those errors proved decisive.
Key areas of impact
- Field position swings: kickoff and punt coverage failures regularly placed the Rams inside their own 20, increasing defensive strain.
- Turnovers and penalties: return turnovers and costly penalties extended opponent drives and erased big plays.
- Momentum and confidence: repeated breakdowns undermined unit cohesion and coach trust, which complicated in-game adjustments.
- Scoring opportunities: failed returns and protection issues negated potential scoring drives and limited offensive momentum.
Context and pattern
Blackburn arrived in Los Angeles in 2023 with previous special teams coaching experience in Carolina and Tennessee. Although he carried credibility as a player and coach, recent results did not meet expectations. Leadership judged the pattern of errors severe enough to prompt action.
What changes next
The Rams promoted Ben Kotwica to stabilize coverage and return units. Management will prioritize immediate tactical fixes, personnel adjustments, and clearer accountability. If improvements do not follow, schematic or roster changes may follow.
Blackburn’s firing cleared the way for Ben Kotwica to take over and the team’s immediate focus is stabilizing coverage and returns.
CONCLUSION
The Rams fired Chase Blackburn as special teams coordinator after special teams mistakes cost the team critical games. Adam Schefter first reported the decision, and the timing signals urgent concern. Therefore, the Rams moved quickly to protect their season and shore up weaknesses. Fans and analysts should expect immediate tactical adjustments.
Ben Kotwica now leads the special teams effort. His appointment aims to stabilize returns and coverage units right away. However, the change also sends a message about accountability at the coaching level. As a result, the front office shows it will act swiftly when units underperform.
For ongoing coverage and official updates, follow Rams News LLC. Visit Rams News LLC for continuous reporting and document archives. Also follow Twitter X updates at @ZachGatsby for rapid reactions and breaking posts. We will update this story as new details and statements become available.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why was Chase Blackburn fired as Rams special teams coordinator?
Blackburn was fired following special teams errors that contributed to three of the Rams’ four losses this season.
Who will replace Chase Blackburn?
Ben Kotwica has been appointed as the new special teams coordinator.
What was Chase Blackburn’s coaching experience before the Rams?
Blackburn coached with the Carolina Panthers and the Tennessee Titans before joining the Rams in 2023.
How did Blackburn’s special teams units perform this season?
Special teams units struggled, with critical errors impacting several games, leading to increased pressure on the coaching staff.
What changes are expected with Ben Kotwica?
Kotwica is expected to improve coverage and returns immediately, focusing on tactical adjustments to stabilize performance.