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The Rams may lose a top coordinator
The Los Angeles Rams lost one of their top coordinators to a head coaching job and may be on their way to losing a second.
Offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur left the Rams after being with the team for the previous three seasons to become the next HC of the Arizona Cardinals.
Defensive coordinator Chris Shula was one of the hottest commodities in the 2026 coaching cycle, being interviewed for five different head coaching positions. Shula ultimately returned to the Rams and will remain defensive coordinator for a third year.
Now, another member of Sean McVay’s coaching staff has been getting interest from a team that hired a new head coach who is building his coaching staff.
Assistant Head Coach Gets DC Interview
GettyThe Rams could lose a member of Sean McVay’s coaching staff
With 10 teams around the league filling in their coaching staff, the Los Angeles Rams may have a member of their staff poached.
The Las Vegas Raiders hired former Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak to be the next head coach of the organization, with the team now filling remaining holes in the staff.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Raiders have requested to interview Rams assistant head coach and defensive pass game coordinator, Aubrey Pleasant, for their defensive coordinator job.
Pleasant has had two stints with the Rams organization, originally as the cornerbacks coach from 2017 to 2020 before returning to the team in the 2023 season as the defensive backs coach and defensive pass game coordinator — Pleasant was promoted to assistant head coach in 2024.
The Rams assistant head coach also interviewed for the Cardinals‘ defensive coordinator, but missed out on the job as the team will keep Nick Rallis at his post.
Pleasant would bring over 12 seasons of NFL experience if he were to join the Raiders coaching staff.
In the 2025 season, the Rams were in the bottom half of the league in total passing yards allowed. This can be attributed to injuries to the secondary and the lack of a true star in the backfield.
If the coach were to become the DC in Sin City, he would have some pieces that he could make his tenure smooth, including EDGE rusher Maxx Crosby.
Other Raiders DC Options
GettyThe Raiders have interviewed an internal option for defensive coordinator
Aubrey Pleasant is just one of a few coaches who will be interviewed/have interviewed for the Las Vegas Raiders vacant defensive coordinator spot.
Vegas will interview defensive line coach Rob Leonard, who has been with the organization for the last four seasons.
Raiders star defender Maxx Crosby is reportedly a fan of Leonard and has a great relationship with him, which could be a key reason why LV wants to promote the coach.
Reports revealed that Crosby’s time with the team is likely over and that the player may be traded before the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft, but if the team hires a DC that the EDGE rusher likes, he may remain another season.
Aubrey Pleasant finds himself lower on the hiring list due to Crosby’s connection to Leonard, but could land the job if he has a good interview with Klint Kubiak and the front office.
Jason Garcia Jason Garcia is a sports contributor for Heavy Sports who joined the team in 2025, covering the New England Patriots, Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers. More about Jason Garcia
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