Cardinals Retain Defensive Coordinator Despite Coaching Staff Shakeup

Arizona's decision to keep Nick Rallis sparks debate as team finalizes coaching hires ahead of NFL Scouting Combine

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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The Arizona Cardinals have finalized their coaching staff in the weeks leading up to the NFL Scouting Combine, retaining defensive coordinator Nick Rallis despite attempts to interview other candidates. This move, along with the hiring of Mike LaFleur as head coach and Nathaniel Hackett as offensive coordinator, has ignited further debate among Cardinals fans about the team's offseason decisions.

Why it matters

The Cardinals' coaching staff decisions are crucial as the team looks to rebound from a disappointing 2025 season. Retaining Rallis provides continuity on the defensive side, but some fans are concerned about the team's inability to land bigger-name coordinator candidates. The coaching hires will set the tone for the Cardinals' approach heading into the 2026 season.

The details

The Cardinals tried to interview several candidates for the defensive coordinator role, including Aubrey Pleasant, Wink Martindale, Charlie Bullen, and Karl Scott, before ultimately deciding to retain Rallis, who has years of play-calling experience. While Rallis is respected by the players, the team's process of landing on him after missing out on other targets has raised questions about the organization's ability to attract top coaching talent.

  • The Cardinals hired Mike LaFleur as their new head coach earlier this month.
  • The team is finalizing its coaching staff with just weeks remaining until the NFL Scouting Combine.

The players

Nick Rallis

The Cardinals' defensive coordinator, who has been retained despite the team's attempts to interview other candidates for the role.

Mike LaFleur

The Cardinals' new head coach, hired earlier this month.

Nathaniel Hackett

The Cardinals' new offensive coordinator, whose hiring has also sparked debate among fans.

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What’s next

The Cardinals will continue finalizing their coaching staff ahead of the NFL Scouting Combine, where they will have the opportunity to evaluate potential draft prospects to help bolster the team for the 2026 season.

The takeaway

The Cardinals' offseason coaching decisions have sparked further debate among fans, as the team has struggled to land top coordinator candidates and has instead been forced to retain familiar faces like Nick Rallis. This raises questions about the organization's ability to attract top coaching talent and build a staff that can help the team rebound from a disappointing 2025 season.