The Los Angeles Rams’ biggest weakness this season has been their special teams as they have made costly errors in three of the team’s four losses.
The Rams had two blocked kicks against the Philadelphia Eagles, including the game-winning field goal attempt. They then had an extra point blocked against the San Francisco 49ers. And finally, in their most costly loss to the Seattle Seahawks in Week 16, they gave up a punt return for a touchdown and then missed a go-ahead field goal in the fourth quarter.
While the Rams still had plenty of opportunities to win all of those games despite the special teams errors, that unit has struggled all season. The Rams currently rank first in offensive DVOA and third in defensive DVOA, but that number drops to 25th for special teams.
Looking to salvage their season, it appears the Rams are making their first in-season coaching change in the Sean McVay era by firing special teams coordinator Chase Blackburn, via Adam Schefter of ESPN:
ESPN sources: Rams fired special teams coordinator Chase Blackburn.
The Rams’ special teams played a role in three of the team’s four losses this season, including Thursday night’s defeat in Seattle, and now changes are being made. pic.twitter.com/m6KVuQpMim
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 20, 2025
How rare is this? This represents the first in-season coaching change that Rams head coach Sean McVay ever has had. https://t.co/ug74B6OvBU
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 20, 2025
Assistant special teams coach Ben Kotwica will take over for Blackburn to finish out the season:
Source: Rams assistant special teams coach Ben Kotwica now will take over and become the lead special teams coach. https://t.co/ug74B6OvBU
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 20, 2025
As previously mentioned, McVay had never made a coaching change in the middle of a season, so he obviously felt the situation was dire enough that a change was needed.
The Rams have legit Super Bowl aspirations, but given how this season has played out, their special teams could cost them in the playoffs if improvements don’t happen between now and then.
Rams star Puka Nacua chalks referee criticism up to frustration
After the Rams loss to the Seahawks, Puka Nacua jumped on social media to criticize the officiating. He later deleted the post and chalked it up to being frustrated after a tough loss.
While being frustrated is understandable, hopefully Nacua uses this as a learning experience so he doesn’t become a distraction for the Rams heading into the home stretch of the season.
