Rams subtle coaching change catches unsuspecting fans by complete surprise

Fans knew that the Los Angeles Rams struggled with special teams in 2025. And the team acted swiftly to correct the problem, clearing house not only in mid-season, but changing the coaching staff at season's end. Head coach Sean McVay takes accountability throughout the season very seriously.

So what about the secondary? While less obvious, the defensive backs struggled to corral Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba. It was clear that struggles were bound to happen with a group that had benefited from a lack of drafted rookies.

But the team did invest in veterans. Cornerback Emmanuel Forbes was claimed off Washington Commanders' waivers. And the team traded with the Tennessee Titans for cornerback Roger McCreary. But the efforts appeared futile when the team needed the secondary to rally.

As a result, Coach Jimmy Lake is taking over as the secondary coach. Former secondary coach Aubrey Pleasant is no longer with the team.

Aubrey Pleasant could not deliver what the defense needed most

Even as the coaching staff welcomes former players like Robert Woods and Brian Allen. Keep in mind that the team struggled to generate growth and development in 2025 from younger players. Allen will be particularly vital to ensure the young backup offensive linemen turn the corner in 2026.

The secondary was a different problem altogether. The team struggled with continuity, coordination, and chemistry because it seemed that each week deployed different starters and rotations. The team used seven different cornerbacks and five different safeties in 2025.

Injuries account for some of the disharmony. But the remainder of the inconsistency was a group trying to swap out parts to find some combination that worked. It was like a safecracker trying to open a safe by spinning different combinations.

And it didn't work well enough.

The team shifted towards adding Tennessee Volunteers defensive backs coach Michael Hunter to take up the slack with the secondary. And Hunter's hiring clues fans into the likelihood that the team will be shopping for cornerbacks in the 2026 NFL Draft.

It's a deep cornerback class.

Changes are afoot. Whether or not the results are immediate, the team is focusing on improving the secondary. The question is: Can the LA Rams roster show significant improvement in pass defense in time to benefit veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford's remaining time?

Time will tell. In the meantime, best of luck to Coach Pleasant.

As always, thanks for reading.