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10h ago

Rams Fire Special Teams Coordinator Chase Blackburn After OT Collapse vs. Seahawks

The rare in-season dismissal follows repeated kicking and coverage breakdowns that jeopardized Los Angeles’ playoff seeding.

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Los Angeles Rams special teams coordinator Chase Blackburn before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
Sep 22, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams special teams coordinator Chase Blackburn reacts after San Francisco 49ers linebacker De'Vondre Campbell (59) is called for pass interference against tight end Colby Parkinson (86) during the second half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
WOODLAND HILLS, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 3: Chase Blackburn of the Los Angeles Rams speaks with members of the media after an OTA offseason workout on June 3, 2025 in Woodland Hills, California. (Photo by Ric Tapia/Getty Images)

Overview

  • Assistant Ben Kotwica will take over special-teams duties for the remainder of the season, according to multiple reports.
  • Thursday’s 38-37 loss featured a 58-yard Rashid Shaheed punt-return touchdown that swung the fourth quarter and set up Seattle’s comeback.
  • Harrison Mevis missed a 48-yard field goal with 2:07 left, continuing a season of miscues that previously prompted the Rams to replace kicker Joshua Karty and long snapper Alex Ward.
  • The change marks Sean McVay’s first in-season coaching move since 2017, underscoring persistent struggles for a unit ranked near the bottom of the league.
  • Los Angeles is 11-4 with a playoff spot secured but no longer controls the NFC West or the No. 1 seed after slipping behind the Seahawks.