The Los Angeles Rams’ special teams unit was nothing short of a disaster in 2025 as it cost them multiple games and ultimately their season.
The Rams had a costly fumble by Xavier Smith on a punt return in the NFC Championship Game against the Seattle Seahawks that was a huge momentum swing in the game. Seattle was able to capitalize by scoring a touchdown on the next play and never looked back.
It was actually another special teams error earlier in the season against the Seahawks that cost special teams coordinator Chase Blackburn his job. The Rams allowed a punt return for a touchdown that similarly contributed to them losing the game and they parted ways with Blackburn just days later.
The team replaced him with Ben Kotwica to finish the year, but he and two other special teams assistants from last season will not be returning in 2026.
That means the Rams are in search of a new special teams coordinator, and it appears they have already found their man. According to NFL reporter Aaron Wilson, the Rams are hiring former Cleveland Browns special teams coordinator Bubba Ventrone:
#Rams hiring Bubba Ventrone, per a league source, to lead their special teams
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) January 29, 2026
The Rams interviewed Ventrone earlier this week and it appears they liked what they saw and heard, moving swiftly to bring him onto Sean McVay’s staff.
Ventrone was as the Browns’ special teams coordinator and assistant head coach for the last three years, but they made a coaching change this offseason, leaving him looking for a new home.
The 43-year-old previous had a five-year stint as the Indianapolis Colts’ special teams coordinator from 2018-2022 and got his start in coaching as an assistant special teams coach with the New England Patriots from 2015-18.
It is worth noting that the Rams’ special teams ranked 31st in 2025 and the only team worse than them was the Browns, so there is some question marks when it comes to the hiring of Ventrone. L.A.’s special teams unit has struggled for a number of years now, so McVay is desperately trying to find someone to fix that.
Nate Scheelhaase staying with Rams
The Rams may not be losing any key coaches this offseason as passing game coordinator Nate Scheelhaase is expected to remain with the organization. He was a finalist for the Browns head coaching job but did not get it, so he is expected to be a factor in next year’s head coaching cycle after another year on McVay’s staff.
