GLENDALE – The Arizona Cardinals get some good news regarding one of their top candidates for defensive coordinator. After being hired on the 1st of February, new head coach Mike LaFleur went to work filling out his staff by almost immediately hiring Nathaniel Hackett as the offensive coordinator. The role at DC has been much more intricate of a search, as the person hire will likely be the defensive play caller.

One of the top names on the market has been Los Angeles Rams Assitant head coach and passing game coordinator Aubrey Pleasant. The 38-year-old has already interviewed with Arizona and seems to be one of the franchise’s top choices. Reports have indicated that Los Angeles wants to keep Pleasant on its staff. However, Tuesday’s news doesn’t reinforce that sentiment.

Oct 19, 2025; London, United Kingdom; Los Angeles Rams pass game coordinator Aubrey Pleasant reacts after a play against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the first half of an NFL International Series game at Wembley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

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Rams find new DBs coach, Pleasant Gone?

Los Angeles has hired a new defensive backs coach for the 2026 season. When he was hired with the Rams in 2023, Pleasant was a defensive backs coach and the passing game coordinator. The following year, he was promoted to assistant head coach but still had defensive passing game duties, working close with the secondary and defensive backs.

Arizona Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort (left) with his new head coach Mike LaFleur at a news conference on Feb. 3, 2026, at Arizona Cardinals training center in Tempe.

Head coach Sean McVay could be trying to save his losses by getting ahead of it early and hiring a well-respected coach like Michael Hunter for a replacement. LaFleur and Pleasant were in Los Angeles for the past three seasons and had grown a relationship over the years. The new Arizona coach can give his old coaching buddy his first defensive coordinator job in the NFL. The Rams are moving like Pleasant will not be returning in 2026, which bodes well for the Cardinals.

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