Los Angeles Rams assistant coach Aubrey Pleasant took on the head coaching duties in the Rams’ preseason game against the Los Angeles Chargers, with head coach Sean McVay watching from the coaches’ booth. Pleasant initially hesitated to accept a game ball during the postgame locker room speech, emphasizing the team effort, but McVay insisted on recognizing Pleasant for seizing the opportunity.
McVay had announced earlier in the week that Pleasant would serve as the head coach for the preseason game, which involved overseeing game planning, team meetings, and in-game decisions. McVay wanted Pleasant to gain experience in interacting with officials, managing game-related situations, and communicating with all units of the team during the game.
Pleasant acknowledged the significance of understanding the intricacies of being a head coach, such as dealing with referees, knowing the rules, and making strategic decisions like using challenge flags. He had prepared himself extensively in the week leading up to the game to handle these responsibilities effectively.
In a departure from his usual approach, McVay delegated head coaching responsibilities to someone else for the first time in his tenure with the Rams. This decision aligns with McVay’s past experience when he was given opportunities to call plays as an assistant coach in Washington by then-head coach Jay Gruden during the preseason.
Reflecting on the different coaching dynamics between offense and defense, Pleasant noted that being a head coach requires a different focus and a quicker decision-making process during the game. Pleasant, who had previously worked with the Rams as a cornerbacks coach, rejoined the team last season as the pass game coordinator and defensive backs coach after coaching stints in Green Bay and Detroit.
The Rams’ coaching staff’s collaborative approach and willingness to provide diverse experiences to its members reflect a commitment to personal and professional growth within the organization.