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The Cardinals announced Friday that Mike LaFleur will retain Nick Rallis as defensive coordinator.
This is a move that shows continuity in a defense that suffered greatly last season. Arizona also made it official that Nathaniel Hackett will serve as offensive coordinator and Michael Ghobrial will join from the Giants to run special teams.
Rallis has been with the Cardinals since 2023. Jonathan Gannon was fired on Jan. 5 after the team finished 3-14. He is entering his fourth year in charge of defense.
“Nick is someone I have always looked up to, especially after competing against him in the division for the past three years,” LaFleur said in a statement. “I’ve had a chance to catch up with him over the past few weeks and get his thoughts and I’m more impressed than ever. I know he has the respect of coaches around the league and especially the players on this team, and that speaks volumes to me.”
The Cardinals looked at other options before sticking with Rallis. According to multiple reports, they interviewed Rams’ defensive passing game coordinator Aubrey Pleasant, Seahawks’ defensive passing game coordinator Karl Scott, and Giants linebackers coach Charlie Bullen (who coached the linebackers at Arizona from 2019-2022).
Last season’s defensive performance was not good.
Arizona Completed 27th Total yards allowed per game. they 25th against running 24th Against the pass. The Cardinals gave up the most first downs per game in the league, ranked 22nd in interception percentage and 28th in sacks per pass attempt.
What’s worse is that they’ve allowed the fourth-most points per game in the NFL. Arizona gave up more than 40 points four times, 37 points twice, and 31 points once.
Ghobrial ran the Giants’ special teams unit before moving west. LaFleur praised his energy in Friday’s announcement.
“The passion he brings is contagious, which is extremely important to any coach, but especially on special teams,” LaFleur said in a statement. “As a team we will definitely benefit from his energy and experience.”
Hackett’s hiring was reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter earlier this month, but the Cardinals made it official on Friday.
The 46-year-old worked as a defensive analyst for Mike’s brother, Matt LaFleur, with the Green Bay Packers last season. Before that, Hackett was the Jets’ offensive coordinator for two seasons (2023-24) and had a tough time as Denver’s head coach in 2022. He also coordinated Matt LaFleur’s offense in Green Bay from 2019 to 2021.
“Combining Nathaniel’s experience with his high level of offensive production, it’s hard to find a better player for this position,” LaFleur said. “I’ve never worked with him, but I know he’s definitely one of the best offensive minds in the league and I can’t wait to see what he can do with our playmakers in this offense.”
Hackett was also the offensive coordinator for Buffalo and Jacksonville during his career.
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