INGLEWOOD — Sean McVay had never made an in-season coaching change prior to last weekend’s firing of special teams coordinator Chase Blackburn. With three of the 11-4 Rams’ losses coming as a direct result of special teams play, McVay felt like for the team to achieve its goals, he needed to make a change on that side of the ball.
Speaking with reporters on Friday for the first time since being elevated to interim special teams coordinator, Ben Kotwica said his unit is prepared to help the Rams reach that destination.
“Just love the way that our guys are focused on the task at hand,” Kotwica said. “What I really like is our intentionality. Really excited to be a part of a championship football team and our group is ready to contribute to that.”
It only helps the Rams that Kotwica has plenty of experience in this role. This might be his first season in Los Angeles, but he’s spent 10 years as a special teams coordinator. Most recently he was with the Denver Broncos, but he also spent five years in Washington, overlapping with McVay’s final three seasons with that franchise.
A former U.S. Army captain, Kotwica said he will draw from his 18 years of NFL experience, as well as the inspiration of how his players prepare for game days.
“He’s a stud,” defensive coordinator Chris Shula said. “He’s got the military background, he’s got great energy, just love working with him every single day. You can see he’s got the guys a little tight, organized tight with a good pep in his step and he loves football and he’s going to get those guys playing hard and playing fast.”
Kotwica learned that he would be stepping up to interim coordinator last Friday shortly after McVay dismissed Blackburn. McVay wanted to give Kotwica extra time to prepare for the increased responsibilities and any tweaks he might want to make to the special teams.
The veteran coach said one of his first actions was to call Matt Harper, who was the special teams assistant with the Philadelphia Eagles when Kotwica was in Washington. Kotwica said Harper has jumped right into his new role and helping the team prepare for Monday night’s game against the Atlanta Falcons (6-9).
“I think we’re always improving, whether you’re winning games or losing games, behind the scenes there’s always corrections that are made,” Kotwica said. “We’ve had a couple plays that have cost us during the course of the year, but I love the way that our guys are going about the business. They understand the urgency. We’re part of a championship football team. We’re just ready to contribute to holding up that Lombardi early next year.”
INJURY REPORT
Receiver Davante Adams (hamstring), right guard Kevin Dotson (ankle), left tackle Alaric Jackson (knee) and cornerback Josh Wallace (ankle) did not practice on Friday.
Defensive end Braden Fiske (ankle) was a limited participant after being listed as a non-participant on Thursday’s estimated practice report.