After the news that Jesse Minter had been hired by the Baltimore Ravens, the Los Angeles Chargers had to move fast to identify new options to be their defensive coordinator. They may have found one from their neighbors.
According to Ian Rapoport, the Chargers have requested an interview with the Rams assistant head coach and defensive pass game coordinator Aubrey Pleasant. Pleasant would bring 13 seasons of NFL experience to the table and has coached the Rams to the 10th best defense in the league when it comes to takeaways.
This is also Pleasant’s first known interview for a vacant defensive coordinator spot, although fellow Rams coaches Chris Shula and Mike Lafleur could think about adding him to their staff should they be hired by anyone. In fact, head coach of the Rams, Sean McVay, has touted Pleasant as a potential future head coach as well, providing him with a platform as assistant head coach and head coach for the team during preseason games.
A Rising Defensive Mind in League Circles
Pleasant’s early career started out in the college ranks, with a stint at the University of Michigan as a defensive graduate assistant, working under Brady hoke three years before Harbaugh took over the job. He has also had stints with the Commanders, the Lions and the Packers, all in different capacities.
However, perhaps his most famous stint as a NFL coach was being the corners coach for the Rams in the year 2020. That year, he coaches the likes of Aqib Talib, Marcus Peters, and Jalen Ramsey. It’s no coincidence that year the the Rams led the NFL in passing defense.
This is not the first time a team have been interested in Pleasant’s services however. last year, the Bears and Jaguars gave Pleasant interview slips for their vacant coaching jobs. The Rams also interviewed him whne they were trying to replace Raheem Morris last year as well. Even the Bengals inquired about his services in 2019. However, none of those interviews led to a hire.
Why Pleasant Could Fit Harbaugh’s Vision
Pleasant, should he be hired by the Chargers, could present a unique balance between himself and new Chargers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel. McDaniel stems form the Kyle Shanahan tree and brings with him a unique skillset to bring the Chargers offense back on track. Pleasant in some ways stems from the Shanahan tree himself, but more so through McVay. Together, they could be an interesting pair, as head coach Jim Harbaugh has his own philosophies he wishes to implement.
With Pleasant’s experience coming into play, the Chargers would be getting someone who truly understands the X’s and O’s of the game. From begin able to coach preseason games for the Rams and understanding certain relationships, Pleasant has what it takes to have success for the other LA squad. “I’m a big believer that when preparation and opportunity meet, they take care of themselves, and sometimes that equals to be luck,” Pleasant said of his unique experience.
Now, he’ll potentially get a chance to do it for Sofi Stadium’s other home tenant.
Chargers Request Interview with Rams Assistant HC in DC Search