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Key Rams assistant interviewing for 2 open defensive coordinator jobs
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Following two stints as a defensive assistant for the Los Angeles Rams , Aubrey Pleasant is in line for the biggest opportunity of his career. The assistant head coach and passing game coordinator, who has also served as a cornerbacks and defensive backs coach with LA, will interview for the defensive coordinator vacancies on both the Arizona Cardinals and Cleveland Browns , per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
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Pleasant has seven years' worth of experience working for one of the most reputable organizations in the league. He also spent time as an assistant with the Michigan Wolverines , the then-Washington Redskins and Detroit Lions . Now, the former Wisconsin Badgers safety is eying a significant breakthrough. He interviewed for the Los Angeles Chargers' DC job a couple weeks back (has since been filled), so it could be just a matter of time before something comes to pass.
Neither the Cardinals nor Browns currently have a concrete quarterback situation, so defense may have to be their calling card for the next couple of years. Arizona could certainly use a boost on that side of the ball after ranking in the bottom-six in both points and yards per game allowed last season. Building a strong identity is crucial for basement-dwelling franchises, and this man has resided in a place that oozes professionalism and competence.
Pleasant's area of expertise lies in the secondary, which is particularly notable on a Rams squad that finished in the top-seven with 16 interceptions. Los Angeles was occasionally leaky in coverage — 19th in passing yards allowed per game (216.7) — but it effectively embodied a bend-don't-break defensive style. Obviously, the Browns and Cardinals like what they see.
A first-year DC can be risky for organizations that are already in disarray, but a leap of faith can take a squad a long way. Super Bowl 60 champion Mike Macdonald can tell you that much.
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While it is far too early to label Aubrey Pleasant as the next "superstar coaching candidate," he has positioned himself for a potential promotion after learning under Sean McVay. Playing a crucial role in a team's possible resurgence would make him a hot name in future coaching searches. But before Pleasant can visualize such a lofty goal, he must ace his interviews.
Related: What Rams' Puka Nacua posted about Cooper Kupp winning Super Bowl with Seahawks
Related: Rams rumors: Matthew Stafford to cash in as he returns after NFL MVP
