Sean Desai joins Los Angeles Rams in senior defensive role

Indian American coach Sean Desai, who was relieved of his duties after just one season as the Eagles’ defensive coordinator, is expected to be hired by the Los Angeles Rams in a senior defensive role.

The son of immigrants, Desai, 40, was the first Indian American coordinator in NFL history. He will face his former team when the Eagles come to Los Angeles during the 2024 season, according to CBS Sports.

Desai was let go after Philadelphia finished 30th in the NFL in points allowed during the 2023 season. While the unit struggles in most categories, the Eagles’ defense did finish 10th in the NFL in both fewest rushing yards allowed and touchdown runs allowed, CBS noted.

READ: Philadelphia Eagles name Sean Desai defensive coordinator (March 3, 2023)

Prior to his time in Philadelphia, Desai spent six seasons as the Bears’ defensive quality control coach, two seasons as the team’s safeties coach and was Chicago’s defensive coordinator in 2021. That season, the Bears’ defense finished third in the NFL in passing yards allowed.

In 2022, Desai served as the Seahawks’ associate head coach and defensive assistant. He left for Philadelphia after then-Eagles defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon accepted the head coaching position in Arizona.

In Los Angeles, Desai will aid a Rams defense that last finished ranked 19th in points allowed during the 2023 season. The unit continues to be led by future Hall of Fame defensive tackle Aaron Donald, who last season was selected to his 10th Pro Bowl in as many seasons after recording eight sacks.

Desai started his coaching career at Temple (2007-10), where he was a graduate assistant for the defense and special teams while earning his doctorate in educational administration. He entered the NFL ranks in 2013 as the quality control coach-defense for the Bears, working with the defensive backs/linebackers/special teams.

READ: Chicago Bears promote Indian American Sean Desai as defensive coordinator (January 25, 2021)

Desai was named Bears’ safeties coach in 2019 and was promoted to defensive coordinator in 2021. The Bears ranked sixth in total defense and third in passing defense that season.

In Chicago, Desai coached under noted defensive minds, including Vic Fangio, John Fox, Mel Tucker, and Chuck Pagano. Desai was a part of three different coaching staffs with the Bears.