The Los Angeles Rams demonstrated solid offensive and defensive capabilities throughout the 2025 NFL season, maintaining competitiveness in most matchups with effective ball movement. However, their performance suffered significantly in the margins, where critical shortcomings emerged to undermine their overall efforts.
The Hidden Weakness That Cost the Rams
While the Rams' primary units functioned adequately, three specific areas created persistent disadvantages: poor starting field position, inconsistent coverage units, and minimal impact in the return game. These factors collectively placed additional pressure on both offense and defense throughout the season.
Head coach Sean McVay observed these issues all year and finally articulated them publicly during late-season media sessions. He identified the problem area clearly: special teams performance. McVay emphasized that the Rams required new leadership in this phase heading into the 2026 season.
Statistical Evidence of Special Teams Struggles
The numbers validated McVay's assessment. Los Angeles finished the 2025 season ranked near the bottom of the league in opponent average starting field position. Their kick coverage units regularly allowed returns past the 30-yard line, effectively negating strong defensive series. Simultaneously, the Rams' return game failed to provide relief, rarely generating explosive runbacks to shift momentum.
These hidden yardage disadvantages accumulated rapidly throughout games, creating field position swings that proved costly in close contests. The organization recognized that addressing these special teams deficiencies had become imperative for future success.
Organizational Changes and the Ventrone Hiring
The Rams initiated changes on December 20, 2025, by dismissing special teams coordinator Chase Blackburn following continued struggles. Assistant Ben Kotwica served as interim coordinator to conclude the season, but the front office sought a proven, established leader for the position.
On January 30, 2026, ESPN insider Tom Pelissero reported significant news confirming Los Angeles' commitment to transformation. The Rams have signed Bubba Ventrone as their new special teams coordinator, per sources. Special teams were a massive weakness last season for L.A., which now lands one of the NFL's best.
Bubba Ventrone's Special Teams Pedigree
Ventrone brings substantial credentials to the Rams organization. He entered the NFL in 2005 from Villanova University and carved out an impressive playing career with multiple franchises including the New England Patriots, New York Jets, Cleveland Browns, and San Francisco 49ers.
His playing career highlights include:
- Being voted Special Teams Player of the Year by teammates in 2014
- Serving as special teams captain for multiple seasons
- Developing a reputation as a core team player trusted by coaches
As a coach, Ventrone has cultivated a reputation for disciplined units with strong situational awareness. His background in New England's systematic approach particularly appeals to Sean McVay, who values consistency and accountability in a phase that repeatedly disadvantaged the Rams during 2025.
Strategic Implications for the Rams' Future
The Ventrone hiring represents a targeted solution to a clearly identified problem. Meanwhile, Los Angeles maintains offensive continuity with Nate Scheelhaase remaining on staff despite the Cleveland Browns hiring Todd Monken. This stability allows McVay to concentrate energy on rebuilding special teams without disrupting offensive operations.
Sean McVay publicly identified the special teams deficiency, and now the Rams have secured a coordinator whose entire career centers on rectifying precisely such issues. The organization's direct move to address their most glaring weakness demonstrates a focused approach to improving their competitive position for the 2026 NFL season and beyond.
