Pleasant joined the Rams in 2017 as a cornerback coach under McVay and remained through 2020 before spending two seasons with the Lions and a one-year stint with the Packers as an offensive consultant to broaden his coaching résumé. He returned to the Rams in 2023 as defensive pass game coordinator and defensive backs coach, a role he held for three seasons.
In the offseason, Pleasant explored defensive coordinator opportunities with multiple teams, including the Cardinals, Browns, and Chargers, but did not secure a promotion elsewhere. The Rams opted not to renew his contract and promoted Kliff Kingsbury to assistant head coach as part of a broader restructuring, effectively leaving Pleasant without a role in Los Angeles.
With Pleasant gone, the Rams are revisiting their defensive identity after a disappointing postseason run. The team ranked 10th in points allowed per game (21.3) and 19th in total yards allowed (335.7) last season, figures that contrast with the league-leading Rams offense and underscore the desire to raise the defense’s ceiling.
McVay has promoted from within to fill Pleasant’s vacancy, naming Jimmy Lake as the new leader in the defensive backs room. Lake, a former NFL defensive coordinator candidate with Atlanta in 2024 and a prior Rams assistant head coach, steps into the role of senior defensive assistant coach, signaling a continued emphasis on internal development as the team reshapes its defensive leadership.
Jimmy Lake’s promotion marks a pivotal opportunity to apply fresh perspectives after his recent headlining stint with the Falcons and a return to the Rams in a senior defensive role. The change aligns with Los Angeles’ broader goal of strengthening its defense while maintaining stability within the coaching staff.
