The Los Angeles Rams made a drastic decision coming out of their loss to the Seattle Seahawks on “Thursday Night Football” in Week 16. Specifically, Rams head coach Sean McVay made it, in what was the culmination of several weeks of issues.
McVay fired special teams coordinator Chase Blackburn on Friday.
There were no further updates or an explanation provided for the decision. That is, until Monday, when McVay met with the media for his day-after press conference.
Sean McVay Gets Honest After Firing Chase Blackburn
GettyLos Angeles Rams special teams coordinator Chase Blackburn and head coach Sean McVay talk during a game against the Seattle Seahawks.
McVay first said that he was “grateful and appreciative” of what Blackburn brought to and did for the Rams. He also praised Blackburn as a person.
However, McVay said he felt a change was needed.
“It really boils down to, just thought this was best for the direction of our special teams. There’s been some things that we have to be better in some critical moments,” McVay told reporters on December 22. “Simply put, it was just what we felt like was best for the collective. And that’s–sometimes the hard decisions that I’m tasked with and always try to have the best intentions for our football team, and that was really as simple as it gets.”
McVay, who has changed up every essential role in the special teams operation, from the long snapper to the kicker, and, now, the coach in charge of overseeing the unit. In Week 16, the Rams gave up a game-altering punt return to Seahawks wide receiver Rashid Shaheed.
Sean McVay Shoulders Blame for Special Teams Issues
GettyLos Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay checks his play sheet during a game against the Detroit Lions.
McVay made it clear that, despite all of the changes that he has made, the Rams’ special teams woes fall on his shoulders.
“First of all, I am responsible for this. And I, obviously, didn’t do a good enough job with my responsibilities as a head coach. But what it really boiled down to, … was the confidence I have in this football team and where I think we can head, and where I think the areas of improvement are needed,” McVay said.
“Through these 15 games, man, we’ve learned a lot. And I have so much confidence in this group. I’m so excited about the response from a disappointing outcome. But it doesn’t mean that there was–that’s an excellent football team we played the other night. I think there’s been a lot of really good things that we’ve done. But at the end of the day, this was a departure. First and foremost, it’s my responsibility for us to do better in that phase.”
McVay said he made the decision Friday and informed Blackburn shortly thereafter, allowing as much time as possible for him, the Rams players, and Blackburn’s replacement to adjust to their new reality.
Sean McVay Touts Veteran Assistant After Promotion
GettyFormer Denver Broncos special teams coach Ben Kotwica reacts during a game against the Arizona Cardinals.
McVay lauded Blackburn’s replacement, former assistant special teams coordinator Ben Kotwica. Kotwica worked with McVay for three seasons from 2014 through 2016 with the Washington Commanders organization.
“I think Ben has done a nice job. I know his capacity, I know the accountability, I know the core beliefs that he has,” McVay said. “This late in the year, you’re not naive to [the fact that] you’re going to keep a lot of the foundational things. But I think there’s some things that we want to have reflected in our style of play, and the way that we go about, just our overall approach that I think will be improved.”
McVay also summed up what he believes Kotwica brings to the position.
“I think urgent, accountable. Very clear with regards to his communication style,” McVay said. “I’m excited for him to be able to lead the charge.”
McVay said Kotwica’s replacement will be “Matt Harper. We’ll call him ‘Harp.’ He’s a guy that has some experience. He’s got a bunch of NFL experience; He’s been in places like Philadelphia, San Francisco. Ben has familiarity with him, coaching against him, and then knowing him. And so, Matt Harper will be the guy.”
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