Rams Retain Aubrey Pleasant as Key Defensive Coach

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The Los Angeles Rams have retained Aubrey Pleasant as their Assistant Head Coach and Passing Game Coordinator, signaling the team's intention to heavily invest in their defense, especially at cornerback. The Rams will look to supplement their already strong defensive coaching staff with game-wrecking talent on the field, as they aim to build on their top-10 scoring defense from the previous season.

Why it matters

The Rams' decision to retain Pleasant is a clear indication that the team views their defense as a critical component of their success going forward. With the Rams having one of the cheapest defenses in the NFL yet still finishing in the top 10 for scoring defense, the team is poised to make significant investments to further bolster their defensive unit.

The details

The Rams will retain most of their defensive coaching staff, including the addition of Michael Hunter as the new defensive backs coach and Robert Wright from Syracuse to provide a collegiate perspective on evolving their zone coverage. The team also has Quentin Lake and Nate Landman in place as on-field commanders to help with the growing pains. This continuity on the defensive side of the ball will be crucial as the Rams start to ponder life after quarterback Matthew Stafford.

• The Rams retained Aubrey Pleasant as their Assistant Head Coach and Passing Game Coordinator in February 2026.
• The Rams finished in the top 10 for scoring defense in the 2025 NFL season.

What’s next

The Rams will look to address their outside cornerback position in the offseason, potentially targeting players like Caleb Downs who can thrive with the veteran presence of Kam Curl providing help over the top.