New Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson is getting right to work building out his coaching staff.
According to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, Johnson and the Bears have requested to interview Los Angeles Rams assistant head coach and defensive passing game coordinator Aubrey Pleasant to become Chicago’s new defensive coordinator.
Big-time experience with good coaching staffs
Pleasant has spent the better part of the past seven years on Sean McVay’s staff with the Rams, rising up the coaching ranks since becoming Los Angeles’ cornerbacks coach back in 2017.
However, Pleasant left the Rams in 2022 to become a consultant with the Green Bay Packers and the Detroit Lions’ passing game coordinator during the 2021 and 2022 seasons.
Pleasant returned to the Rams in 2023 when he became defensive backs coach.
Chicago Bears eye ‘rising star’ Aubrey Pleasant as defensive coordinator
Jan 22, 2025; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson answers questions during a introductory press conference at PNC Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
This past season, Pleasant’s influence was vital to the Rams’ second-half surge, and ability to thwart Sam Darnold, Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and the Minnesota Vikings in the NFL Playoffs.
Pleasant, viewed as a rising star in the coaching community, has worked with the Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers. Given his knowledge of each franchise and what it takes to compete in the NFC North, Pleasant could be an asset to Johnson in conquering the division.
Likewise, the fact that the Bears finished last season with the NFL’s No. 17 ranked passing defense, allowing an average of 217.9 passing yards per game, and the fact that Chicago plays in a division that houses the likes of Jefferson, Addison, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and a young Packers offense around ascending quarterback Jordan Love, it shouldn’t be surprising to see Johnson prioritize a defensive back specialist as a potential defensive coordinator.
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