The Las Vegas Raiders are starting to build out their coaching staff under new head coach Klint Kubiak, and their search for a defensive coordinator is officially underway. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the team has interviewed Rams defensive pass game coordinator and assistant head coach Aubrey Pleasant for the role.
Pleasant becomes the first known candidate linked to the Raiders' DC vacancy, and his name carries some weight in league circles. At 38, he’s already built an impressive resume that spans both college and pro football, with a focus on defensive backs and pass coverage schemes.
His coaching journey began back in 2012 at Michigan, where he served as an assistant defensive backs coach. From there, he made the jump to the NFL with stints in Cleveland and Washington, sharpening his craft and developing a reputation as a strong communicator and teacher in the secondary.
Pleasant’s most notable work came with the Rams, where he joined Sean McVay’s staff in 2017. He worked primarily with the cornerbacks, helping develop a unit that played a key role in the Rams' rise to defensive prominence. His ability to coach technique while also understanding the nuances of modern passing attacks made him a valuable asset.
In 2021, Pleasant took on more responsibility with the Detroit Lions, serving as their defensive backs coach and passing game coordinator. While his time in Detroit was cut short - he was let go during the 2022 season - he quickly landed on his feet, finishing out that year as a consultant with the Packers before returning to Los Angeles in an elevated role.
Last offseason, the Rams gave Pleasant the assistant head coach title, a move that reflected both his leadership presence and his growing influence on the defensive side of the ball. Now, with multiple teams showing interest - including recent interviews with the Cardinals and Browns - it’s clear that Pleasant is viewed as a rising defensive mind in NFL circles. While Arizona has decided to retain Nick Rallis, the fact that Pleasant was in the mix speaks to his growing profile.
For the Raiders, who are looking to establish a new identity under Kubiak, Pleasant could bring a fresh perspective and a track record of developing defensive backs - something that would be valuable in the AFC West, where defending the pass is a weekly challenge.
This interview may just be the beginning of Las Vegas’ search, but Pleasant’s name is one to watch as the Raiders look to reshape their defense and build a staff that can compete in one of the league’s toughest divisions.