Rams Defensive Coordinator Hot Board: Could A Familiar Face Return to L.A.?

Raheem Morris has been hired by the Atlanta Falcons, so it is time for the Los Angeles Rams to start looking for a defensive coordinator replacement.

Raheem Morris is going to get his chance to be a head coach with the Atlanta Falcons, but it leaves behind a hole in the Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator job. 

And with that, come questions surrounding the future of the position. Does head coach Sean McVay promote from within for a coordinator for the first time ever? Or does he turn to a familiar face? 

Or perhaps it is time to take a big swing for a big name. 

With that in mind, let's take a look at some potential options McVay could look to to fill the void left by Morris' departure. 

1. Brandon Staley - Former Chargers Head Coach

Staley was recently fired as the head coach of the L.A. Chargers, after going 24-24 at the helm. But before that, he was the defensive coordinator for the Rams under McVay in 2020. Under Staley that season, the Rams were one of the top overall defensive units in the NFL, ranking No. 1 in total defense, No. 1 in scoring defense, No. 1 in passing defense, and No. 3 in rush defense. 

Staley is set to interview with the Packers for their open defensive coordinator position, but could staying home in L.A. be a more appealing option?

2. Ejiro Evero - Panthers Defensive Coordinator

Evero was with the Rams from 2017 to 2021 as a safeties coach and a passing game coordinator, and this opening left behind by Morris could be the perfect opportunity for him to return. While he is already a defensive coordinator for the Carolina Panthers, the Rams' young talent on defense could draw him back to Los Angeles.

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3. Steve Belichick - Patriots Outside Linebacker Coach

Belichick has been with the New England Patriots since 2012, as he has helped the team's defense while his father, Bill, has been the captain of the ship. But now that Bill Belichick is parting ways with the Patriots, his son could be willing to take a bigger job elsewhere. New Patriots coach Jerod Mayo has extended an opportunity to the younger Belichick to stay in New England, though he could choose to pursue a bigger role elsewhere. 

4. Mike Vrabel - Former Titans Coach

The Tennessee Titans fired Mike Vrabel after a disappointing 2023 season, in what many considered to be a surprising move. Vrabel has interviewed for multiple head coaching positions thus far and is still on the list for the remaining openings. That said, should he be passed up by the Seahawks and Commanders by other candidates, Vrabel could return to the sidelines as a defensive coordinator. 

Should that happen, the Rams would surely be interested in taking a look at Vrabel, and he would likely be on a shortlist. 

5. Hire From Within

The Rams are not typically known for promoting from within to fill a coordinator role. In fact, it has never happened under Sean McVay.

That said, there are a few potential candidates that could buck that trend for L.A. The first of which, is defensive backs coach Aubrey Pleasant. Despite never serving as a coordinator in his decade-plus in the NFL, Pleasant has a history with McVay and the Rams organization. 

Assistant head coach, Jimmy Lake is another option for the Rams to consider. Before joining the Rams, Lake was the head coach for the Washington Huskies and has been known as a defensive specialist throughout his coaching career. 

Outside linebackers coach Chris Shula, who has been with the organization since 2017, has been a key member of the defensive staff throughout that time, and has likewise earned the chance to be considered for his first coordinator position. 

Meanwhile, Secondary coach Chris Beake has 25 years of NFL experience. And while he has never been a coordinator, McVay could choose to give him a look for next season.