The Los Angeles Rams’ sideline is going to look a little bit different on Saturday night when they face the Chargers at SoFi Stadium. Rather than Sean McVay coaching the team, it’ll be assistant head coach/DBs coach Aubrey Pleasant taking his place.
McVay told reporters on Thursday that he will be in the booth for the game, while Pleasant will be the head coach. McVay likes to give his assistants opportunities to call the plays during the preseason, doing so in the past with Kevin O’Connell and Matt LaFleur. Both went on to become head coaches.
Pleasant is a candidate to be hired as a head coach in the upcoming cycle next year so this is a great chance for him to gain experience in that role, even if it’s just for one game.
Sean McVay said assistant head coach/pass game coordinator Aubrey Pleasant will serve as HC for the Rams’ preseason game against the Chargers on Saturday. McVay will be in the booth. Wants to get Pleasant some gameday reps in role.
“It’s a great earned opportunity,” McVay said.
— Stu Jackson (@StuJRams) August 15, 2024
Here’s what McVay said about Pleasant’s opportunity to be the head coach this weekend, joking that we’ll see if he throws the challenge flag at the right times.
“He’s earned this right and it’s more of just going through some of the mechanics,” McVay said. “Meeting with the officials, handling some of the different things as it relates to timeouts, being able to communicate with both sides. Again, these games we approach very differently, but I think to be able to get those reps for the leadership role that he plays for our team, but also to be able to get those chances. I remember when I got opportunities when I was in Washington. Those were really cool things that I look back on and I really appreciate in hindsight. Maybe I didn’t realize how beneficial and valuable they were. Like I’ve mentioned to you guys, he’s earned the right of assistant head coach because of the influence and the positive effect that he has on everyone in this building. I think it’s a great, earned opportunity and he’ll do an excellent job.”
“He’s earned the right of assistant head coach because of the influence and the positive effect that he has on everyone in this building.”
🎥 HC Sean McVay on Assistant HC Aubrey Pleasant. pic.twitter.com/UFcAh7enIq
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) August 15, 2024
