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Rams Fire Special Teams Coordinator Chase Blackburn After Seahawks Collapse

Sean McVay describes the rare timing as a necessary step to steady special teams before the playoffs.

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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

  • The move followed a 38-37 overtime loss in Seattle punctuated by Rashid Shaheed’s 58-yard punt-return touchdown and Harrison Mevis’ late 48-yard miss.
  • Assistant Ben Kotwica takes over immediately, bringing 17 years of NFL experience and prior coordinator roles with the Jets, Washington, Atlanta and Denver.
  • McVay said he made the decision Friday and informed Blackburn that morning, marking his first in-season coaching change since he became head coach.
  • McVay added that former Eagles and 49ers assistant Matt Harper will assist on special teams as the staff recalibrates for the stretch run.
  • Recurring miscues on kicks and coverage have figured in three of Los Angeles’ four losses, after earlier switches at kicker (Joshua Karty to Mevis) and long snapper (Alex Ward to Jake McQuaide).