LA Rams Part Ways with Special Teams Coordinator Chase Blackburn Amid Concerns Over Punt Return Unit

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The Los Angeles Rams have made a surprising move by firing special teams coordinator Chase Blackburn, a decision that comes on the heels of a pivotal special-teams breakdown in their recent loss to the Seattle Seahawks. According to sources, the Rams' special teams unit has been a point of concern for the team all season, particularly in their four losses. Blackburn, who was in his third season with the team, had overseen one of the NFL's most effective special teams groups in recent years, with the emergence of rookie kicker Joshua Karty and wide receiver Jordan Whittington earning spots on the Pro Football Writers of America All-Rookie Team. However, a stunning 58-yard punt return touchdown by Seattle receiver Rashid Shaheed in the fourth quarter of their loss appears to have accelerated a change the Rams had been weighing. Rams head coach Sean McVay pointed to execution rather than scheme as the reason for the breakdown, saying that a flat, low kick was not intended for what they wanted. McVay's comments suggest that the team may be looking to make adjustments to their special teams unit in the off-season. Blackburn, 42, has extensive experience in both playing and coaching roles. He spent a decade in the NFL as a player, winning two Super Bowls with the New York Giants, before transitioning into coaching with the Panthers in 2016. He joined the Rams' staff in 2023. The Rams have yet to make an official statement on the firing, but it's clear that they are looking to make changes to their special teams unit in the off-season.