The Arizona Cardinals‘ defensive coordinator search is heating up. Another candidate that’s getting consideration comes from head coach Mike LaFleur’s old team. NFL insider Ian Rapoport reports that the Cardinals have requested to interview Los Angeles Rams passing game coordinator Aubrey Pleasant for their defensive coordinator job.
Pleasant, 38, is a rising star on the defensive side of the ball. He’s the second coach that the Cardinals have requested to interview for their defensive coordinator job. New York Giants outside linebackers coach Charlie Bullen, who has previous ties to Arizona, was the other.
Despite the young age, Pleasant carries 13 years of NFL coaching experience. His coaching background centers around defensive backs. He coached cornerbacks for three separate franchises.
Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer first floated Pleasant as a candidate, but viewed it as less likely. This came in reaction to Gus Bradley choosing the Titans over the Cardinals. Houston Texans secondary coach Dino Vasso was another name that Breer floated as a person of interest.
With the Cardinals already poaching LaFleur from the Rams, a Pleasant hire would further signal what their goals are. Arizona is looking to improve their record against the NFC West from Jonathan Gannon’s 3-15 mark in three seasons.
Why Aubrey Pleasant Fits the Cardinals DC Role
LaFleur should be familiar with Pleasant’s work, both as a competitor and a colleague. The two coaches squared off against each other in the NFC West from 2017 to 2020. LaFleur was the San Francisco 49ers‘ passing game coordinator on offense while Pleasant coached the Rams’ cornerbacks.
After competing within the NFC West for four seasons, the two coaches reunited on the Rams’ staff in 2023. LaFleur was the offensive coordinator, while Pleasant became the defensive passing game coordinator.
As the passing game coordinator, Pleasant should be familiar with the weekly game-planning. One area where he lacks experience is calling the plays. The Cardinals’ defensive coordinator opportunity adds that responsibility, depending on how the staff shakes out. However, it doesn’t make sense for Pleasant to leave the Rams without an upgrade in responsibilities.
Why Aubrey Pleasant Should Consider the Cardinals’ DC Job
Rams defensive coordinator Don Shula got head coach consideration, including from the Cardinals, this winter. While the Rams retained their defensive coordinator Shula, it blocks Pleasant from a potential promotion in Los Angeles. Arizona represents a promotion opportunity under a head coach he’s familiar with.
General manager Monti Ossenfort spent an extensive amount of draft capital at cornerback, selecting Garrett Williams, Max Melton, and Will Johnson. Throw in their dynamic safety tandem, Jalen Thompson and four-time All-Pro Budda Baker, Arizona has five capable starters in its secondary. That’s something the former cornerbacks coach should appreciate.
In addition to shoring up the secondary, Ossenfort spent a lot of capital on the front-seven of the defense. He splurged for edge rusher Josh Sweat, who recorded a 12.0-sack season in 2025. He’s used two first-round picks on defensive linemen: Darius Robinson and Walter Nolen III. Nolen looks like an impact player on the interior of the Cardinals’ defense, recording 2.0 sacks and five quarterback hits in just six games.
With a lot of young talent on the defensive side of the ball, plus familiarity with LaFleur, this is a potential home run hire for the Cardinals.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Cardinals’ Defensive Coordinator Search Turns to LaFleur’s Former Team appeared first on Heavy Sports.