Former Wisconsin Badgers safety to debut as head coach for LA Rams on Saturday

The Los Angeles Rams will face the Los Angeles Chargers on Saturday in their second preseason game of the year. News emerged this week that former Wisconsin Badgers safety Aubrey Pleasant will operate as the Rams’ head coach for the contest.

Head coach Sean McVay announced on Thursday that Pleasant, the team’s assistant head coach, will handle the role on game day. McVay plans to take a step back and even spend time in the broadcast booth.

Pleasant has spent a handful of years with the organization in two separate stints, serving as the team’s cornerbacks coach from 2017-2020 before returning last season as the defensive backs coach and passing game coordinator.

Prior to making the transition to coaching in 2010, Pleasant spent four seasons as a defensive back with Wisconsin (2005-2008). In his time with the Badgers, Pleasant racked up 80 tackles, including 2 sacks, across 40 games.

In recent years, the McVay coaching tree has produced some of the more promising young NFL head coaches: Matt LaFleur (Packers), Zac Taylor (Bengals) and Kevin O’Connell (Vikings).

Pleasant looks to make the most of his opportunity Saturday. Who knows, maybe he’ll be the next assistant coach under McVay to land a job elsewhere down the road.