5 Takeaways After Rams Fire STC Chase Blackburn

Jordan Whittington and Derion Kendrick aren't fast enough to be the first man to the ball. Smith induces fair catches and when he can't, he'll either make the tackle or do enough to drive the returner into the heart of the coverage unit.

2. This Move Took Way Too Long

What is the point of doing the move now? The obvious answer is to have fresh input as the Rams gear up for a playoff run but while hindsight is 20/20, the Special Teams operation has been an issue for years and making a move once the team lost control of the division feels more like damage control and less of a tactical decision.

What will Ben Kotwica do that Blackburn didn't, couldn't, or wouldn't? This should have either happened weeks ago or after the season. Now the Special Teams, who have had minimal continuity, enter the final weeks of the season with yet another change.

3. Is It Time to Bring Fassel Home?

Former STC John Fassel worked for the team from 2012-2019, and while his departure from the team wasn't the best, there's no mistaking that McVay's 2018 Super Bowl run does not happen without the creativity of Fassel's unit.

Time heals wounds, and with the Titans set to clean house, should the Rams consider a reunion? Jake McQuaide, Johnny Hekker, and Greg Zuerlein were Pro Bowlers under Fassel's direction.

4. This Move Doesn't Solve Much Unless It's Paired With a Full Revamp of the Unit

This goes back to my earlier point. What schematically will the Rams do differently? It's clear that Ethan Evans has one of the most powerful legs in the NFL and the Rams need the speed to close the gap, in order to prevent returns.

They also need to revamp their depth on the offensive line, to avoid blocked kicks. A new voice is a temporary fix. That's it.

5. The Rams Will Likely Have Brand New Coordinators Next Season

With Blackburn gone, Kotwica will have his shot to retain the job and I think he'll impress. Solid resume, veteran mindset, and there's familiarity with the coaching staff and players.

However, it remains my opinion that Chris Shula and Mike LaFleur are getting head coaching jobs this offseason. In 2025, the Rams entered the season with the same coordinators they had the year before, something that isn't common in the McVay era. While I believe McVay will internally promote, that's still three new voices in positions of power.