The Los Angeles Rams have made a significant in-season coaching change, appointing Ben Kotwica as the interim special teams coordinator following the dismissal of Chase Blackburn. This decision comes after the Rams, currently holding an 11-4 record, experienced three losses attributed directly to their special teams performance. Head Coach Sean McVay felt a change was necessary to bolster the team’s chances of securing a Super Bowl title.
In his first press conference since taking on his new role, Kotwica expressed confidence in his unit’s ability to contribute to the Rams’ championship aspirations. “Just love the way that our guys are focused on the task at hand,” he stated. “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.”
Kotwica brings a wealth of experience to the position, having spent the last ten years as a special teams coordinator, most recently with the Denver Broncos. His previous experience with the Washington Football Team also overlapped with McVay’s tenure there, providing a foundation for their collaborative efforts moving forward.
Kotwica, a former U.S. Army captain, plans to leverage his 18 years of NFL experience to enhance the Rams’ special teams. His leadership style has garnered praise from players and coaches alike. “He’s a stud,” said Chris Shula, the Rams’ defensive coordinator. “He’s got the military background, he’s got great energy, just love working with him every single day.”
Upon learning of his promotion last Friday, Kotwica immediately began preparing for his new responsibilities. One of his initial actions was reaching out to Matt Harper, who previously served as a special teams assistant with the Philadelphia Eagles. Kotwica noted that Harper has quickly adapted to his new role, aiding the team in preparation for their upcoming game against the Atlanta Falcons.
“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. He acknowledged that certain plays this season have negatively impacted the team and emphasized the urgency to perform well. “We’re part of a championship football team. We’re just ready to contribute to holding up that Lombardi early next year.”
As the Rams prepare for their crucial game against the Falcons, injury concerns add complexity to their strategy. 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 limited, indicating a challenging week for the coaching staff as they finalize their game plan.
The Rams are looking to maintain momentum as they navigate the remainder of the season. With Kotwica now steering the special teams, the franchise hopes to turn around its fortunes and aim for playoff success.
