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New Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur will keep continuity on defense, retaining Nick Rallis as Arizona’s defensive coordinator, according to multiple reports.
Rallis originally arrived in 2023 under former head coach Jonathan Gannon and now enters his fourth season running the Cardinals’ defense, surviving a staff overhaul after Gannon’s dismissal following a 3–14 campaign.
Rallis Outlasts Gannon in Arizona
At 32, Rallis remains one of the league’s younger coordinators. He previously worked with Gannon in Philadelphia before following him to Arizona. While Gannon moved on to become the defensive coordinator in Green Bay, Rallis stays put under an offense-leaning head coach.
Arizona interviewed several outside candidates for the role, including Aubrey Pleasant, Karl Scott, and Charlie Bullen, but ultimately opted for continuity.
Defensive Struggles in 2025
The decision comes despite a difficult statistical season for the Arizona Cardinals defense. The unit ranked near the bottom of the league in most major categories, including total yards allowed, points per game, sacks per pass attempt, and first downs conceded. Injuries played a role, but the results still prompted outside speculation about a potential change.
LaFleur’s choice signals belief in Rallis’ long-term trajectory rather than a reaction to one down year.
Staff Taking Shape Around LaFleur
Arizona is also expected to hire Michael Ghobrial as special teams coordinator, reuniting him with LaFleur after time together with the Jets. With offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett already in place, LaFleur’s top staff roles are now set.
For Rallis, the move represents rare stability in a league where coordinators often follow head coaches out the door. In Arizona, he gets another chance to reshape a defense under a new regime without changing addresses.
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