After a season where special teams miscues haunted the Rams-none more costly than the muffed punt in their NFC Championship loss to the Seahawks-Sean McVay and his staff are making moves to shore up that third phase of the game. And they’re setting their sights on one of the most respected special teams minds in the league: Bubba Ventrone.
According to multiple reports, the Rams have officially requested an interview with Ventrone, who has been leading the Browns' special teams unit while also serving as assistant head coach. The Steelers, who are also in the market for a special teams coordinator, have reportedly made the same request.
Ventrone’s name carries weight in coaching circles for a reason. He’s built a reputation as a detail-oriented, high-energy leader who gets results.
In Cleveland, his units consistently ranked among the league’s best in coverage and discipline, and his leadership extended beyond the special teams room thanks to that assistant head coach role. Before his time with the Browns, Ventrone held key special teams roles with the Colts and Patriots.
And before that, he was a hard-nosed player who carved out a career with the 49ers, Browns, and Patriots-earning respect the hard way on special teams units.
The Browns’ coaching staff is already in flux following the hiring of Todd Monken as their new head coach. With the offensive coordinator spot still open and defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz not being promoted, Cleveland could be staring down a complete overhaul of all three coordinator roles. That puts Ventrone’s future with the team in question-and makes him a hot commodity for teams like the Rams and Steelers who are looking for veteran leadership and proven results in the often-overlooked third phase.
The Steelers, for their part, are also going through a transition. After bringing in Mike McCarthy as their new head coach, Pittsburgh is evaluating its staff and looking to retool key units. Adding someone with Ventrone’s experience would be a step toward stabilizing their special teams and bringing a new level of intensity to the group.
For the Rams, this pursuit is about more than just replacing a coach-it’s about fixing a unit that cost them dearly in the postseason. Special teams might not always grab headlines, but in the playoffs, one mistake can change everything. McVay knows that better than most, and targeting someone like Ventrone shows he’s serious about making sure that kind of collapse doesn’t happen again.
Whether Ventrone ends up in L.A., Pittsburgh, or stays in Cleveland, one thing is clear: he’s one of the most sought-after special teams minds in the league right now. And wherever he lands, expect an immediate impact.