A lot has been made about the offensive and defensive changes on the Los Angeles Rams roster and sidelines and for good reason considering the exodus of coaches and players.
However, the turnover didn’t just end with those two phases as the Rams also overhauled their special teams unit. The most impactful change was when Los Angeles decided to part ways with special teams coordinator Joe DeCamillis.
DeCamillis was the special teams coordinator for the Rams during their Super Bowl LVI run, but found himself off the coaching staff just a year later.
After several months without a job, it appears that the coach has found his new home in the collegiate ranks as he is reportedly set to join Steve Sarkisian’s staff in Texas, via Chip Brown of 247sports.com:
Steve Sarkisian has landed longtime NFL special teams coach Joe DeCamillis as a special assistant to the head coach for the Texas Longhorns, a source close to the situation confirmed to Horns247.
DeCamillis brings a wealth of knowledge to Sarkisian’s sideline as he spent 31 years in the NFL as a special teams coach and coordinator. Aside from the Rams, DeCamillis also worked with the New York Giants, Atlanta Falcons, Jacksonville Jaguars, Dallas Cowboys, Chicago Bears and the Denver Broncos.
Los Angeles very clearly was going to make changes and special teams made sense to remake after they struggled throughout the course of the 2022 season. The Rams were a subpar to below average team in the special teams phase, unable to create much of an advantage with field position weekly.
Now the duty of leading special teams falls under Chase Blackburn, who is no stranger to that side of the field as he’s got experience both as a coach and player. With the Rams projected to take a step back defensively, special teams needs to be better in order to help prop up the team and hopefully keep them competitive throughout the 2023 season.
Cobie Durant believes all spots in secondary are up for grabs
The Rams are expected to take a sizable step back defensively after parting ways with several of their key veterans. In their stead, young players like Cobie Durant are going to have their opportunities to step up and make a name for themselves.
The secondary took a hit after the Rams let most of their free agents walk, which leads Durant to believe that all the spots are up for grabs.
