NFL, American Football Herren, USA Arizona Cardinals at Los Angeles Rams Jan 4, 2026 Inglewood, California, USA Los Angeles Rams assistant head coach and passing game coordinator Aubrey Pleasant on the field prior to a game against the Arizona Cardinals at SoFi Stadium. Inglewood SoFi Stadium California USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xJaynexKamin-Onceax 20260104_rtc_aj4_0250
NFL, American Football Herren, USA Arizona Cardinals at Los Angeles Rams Jan 4, 2026 Inglewood, California, USA Los Angeles Rams assistant head coach and passing game coordinator Aubrey Pleasant on the field prior to a game against the Arizona Cardinals at SoFi Stadium. Inglewood SoFi Stadium California USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xJaynexKamin-Onceax 20260104_rtc_aj4_0250
Feb 11, 2026, 12:30 PM CUT
Cleveland Browns Make Surprising Move as Rams Passing Co-ordinator Approached for DC Role
Looking to fill defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz’s shoes, the Cleveland Browns interviewed Aubrey Pleasant on Monday.
This decision raised some eyebrows since Pleasant is the second passing game coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams to be approached by the Browns.
Previously, the Browns interviewed Nate Scheelhaase for their head coach position. Scheelhasse is also the passing game coordinator for the Rams and was one of the forerunning candidates for the position.
Pleasant, on the other hand, is the assistant head coach of the Rams, who started his NFL career as an intern with the Browns in 2013. Of 11 years in the pro league, he has spent seven years with the Rams.
Aubrey was a defensive back at the collegiate level himself, and his experience is reflected in the Rams’ defense.
The unit allowed 254 completions and ranked 12th overall last season. With 13 interceptions, they tied with the Atlanta Falcons at No.12.
Defensive back Kobie Durant made seven sacks and 24 solo tackles out of the total 48, and that was all thanks to Pleasant. He also made an interception against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 16.
The Rams’ scoring defense ended up in 10th place after allowing 364 points and 19th for allowing 216.7 passing yards per game. The defensive unit ranked second in overall power rankings.
Pleasant’s Previous Success With the Rams
In 2024, Durant made a personal record during the Week 7 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders.
With Pleasant coaching him, Durant became the sixth player since 2000 to defend two passes, make a sack, one interception, one tackle for loss, and one forced fumble all in one game.
Meanwhile, cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon, who was limited this season because of an injury, defended at least one pass in four consecutive games in 2024.
Pleasant previously has worked with the Green Bay Packers, the Detroit Lions, and the Washington Commanders.
If hired, Pleasant would have to meet big expectations. Before Schwartz quit the Browns, upset with Todd Monken’s hiring as the head coach, the Browns were the best defensive unit in the
league. Will he, or any other candidate, find synergy with star defensive end Myles Garrett? It's a pressing question.
Tell us your thoughts below and follow the Cleveland Browns community for more updates.
Written by
Akanksha Biradar
Edited by
Oajaswini Prabhu