The Lions dodged one bullet aimed at their defensive coaching staff, but the next one fired could hit the secondary. The Minnesota Vikings have requested to interview Detroit’s defensive backs coach, Aubrey Pleasant, for that team’s defensive coordinator vacancy.
The Lions cannot refuse permission thanks to a rule change in 2020 designed to promote coaching ascension. It doesn’t necessarily mean the Lions will lose Pleasant, but the Flint native figures to be a leading candidate in Minnesota. Pleasant and new Vikings head coach Kevin McConnell worked together in Los Angeles with the Rams, and Pleasant’s success in quickly developing talent in Detroit speaks for itself.
This comes on the heels of Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn interviewing for the head coach job in New Orleans. The Saints, as expected, opted to hire Dennis Allen from within the organization, but Glenn was a clear contender.
Pleasant is the first known candidate to emerge for McConnell’s defensive staff. He was hired last week after Minnesota seriously courted Michigan Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh. Former Lions RB coach Curtis Modkins is reportedly close to joining the Vikings staff as well.