Sean McVay made his first in-season coaching change while at the helm of the Rams this week, firing special teams coordinator Chase Blackburn.
The move, which was reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter, came following the Rams’ loss to the Seahawks on “Thursday Night Football,” where Los Angeles gave up a 58-yard punt return for a touchdown and Harrison Mevis missed a 48-yard field goal attempt.
Assistant special teams coach Ben Kotwica will move into Blackburn’s role, though it’s unclear if that is a permanent change or interim.
The Rams fired special teams coordinator Chase Blackburn. MediaNews Group via Getty Images
The punt return ended up playing a vital role in the game as it helped spur on what would become a 38-37 comeback win for the Seahawks and Mevis’ kick was a potential game-winner.
The Rams have had other instances of special teams issues this season, which could have also contributed to the move, as Los Angeles sits in second place in the NFC West following the loss.
Los Angeles had a game-winning field-goal attempt blocked in the final seconds of a Week 3 loss to the Eagles and in Week 5 against the 49ers, the Rams had an extra point blocked late in the game, which ended up being a loss in overtime.
Blackburn, 42, had been the Rams’ special teams coordinator since 2023 and joined the organization after working as an assistant with the Panthers and Titans.
Chase Blackburn with the Giants in 2012. Charles Wenzelberg/New York Post
Prior to coaching, he had played in the NFL for 10 years, including eight with the Giants.
Blackburn was part of the most recent Super Bowl-winning Giants teams.
Kotwica has coached for a number of organizations, which have included the Jets, Commanders, Falcons, Vikings and the Broncos.
Down to the final two weeks of the season, the Rams (11-4) are fighting to win the NFC West and looking to grab a bye into the Divisional Round, a task that became tougher after the loss to the Seahawks (12-3.)