When the Los Angeles Rams promoted Chris Shula to defensive coordinator in 2024, it left them without a position on the staff that he previously held: pass rush coordinator. They added that position back to Sean McVay and Shula’s group by bringing in their first new hire of 2025.
According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the Rams are hiring Drew Wilkins as their defensive pass rush coordinator. Wilkins was the Patriots’ outside linebackers coach under Jerod Mayo last season after previously coaching the Giants’ outside linebackers for two years prior to that.
He also spent 12 years with the Ravens, most recently as their outside linebackers coach from 2018-2021.
Source: The #Rams are hiring Drew Wilkins as their new defensive pass rush coordinator. Originally from the #Ravens coaching tree and most recently with the #Patriots, Wilkins has had a key role in blitz packages and pressures.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 5, 2025
The Rams’ pass rush was one of the best in the NFL last season, particularly toward the end of the year. In the playoffs, they sacked Sam Darnold nine times and Jalen Hurts seven times, ratcheting up the pressure and wreaking havoc in the backfield.
Wilkins will have the benefit of working with a young group led by Jared Verse, Kobie Turner, Braden Fiske and Byron Young this season.
