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Rams Land 'Rising' Coach to Boost Defense for 2025 Season

By Cem Yolbulan

Jan 19, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay (center) reacts on the sidelines in the first half against the Philadelphia Eagles in a 2025 NFC divisional round game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
Jan 19, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay (center) reacts on the sidelines in the first half against the Philadelphia Eagles in a 2025 NFC divisional round game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images / Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
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After another successful season in which they won a playoff game, the Los Angeles Rams are hoping to take a significant step forward next season. In order to get over the hump and go back to the Super Bowl, the Rams will make some changes in the offseason.

Cooper Kupp's trade request understandably stole the headlines in Los Angeles this week. While that was a disappointing development for Rams fans, the team is taking important steps elsewhere.

One of those came on the coaching front. NFL insider Ian Rapoport reported on Tuesday evening that the Rams are hiring a coveted assistant to their defensive staff.

Rams Add Drew Wilkins to Sean McVay's Defensive Staff

The Los Angeles Rams are reportedly hiring Drew Wilkins as their defensive pass rush coordinator under head coach Sean McVay and defensive coordinator Chris Shula.

Wilkins spent last season as the outside linebackers coach in New England under Jerod Mayo. Before that, he was with the New York Giants for two seasons. His longest tenure as a coach came with the Ravens, where he spent 12 years, most recently as their outside linebackers coach from 2018 to 2021.

Before Wilkins, the Rams had Shula as the pass rush coordinator before his promotion to defensive coordinator. The Rams didn't hire anyone for the position last season. Now, they are bringing in Wilkins, who was among Sports Illustrated's Conor Orr's top NFL head coaching candidates list and called a "rising" talent.

Wilkins will now work with Jared Verse, Kobie Turner, Byron Young, and Braden Fiske and have a chance to establish himself as one of the best in his role. The Rams' pass rush was an elite group last season, stepping up in a big way in the playoffs against the Vikings and the Eagles. Under Wilkins, they will hope to build upon that success and continue to be one of the best units in the league.

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