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Mike LaFleur is keeping Nick Rallis on as defensive coordinator, the Cardinals announced Friday.
It’s a move that shows some continuity for a defense that struggled mightily last season. Arizona also made it official that Nathaniel Hackett is taking over as offensive coordinator, while Michael Ghobrial joins from the Giants to run special teams.
Rallis has been with the Cardinals since 2023 – brought in by Jonathan Gannon, who was fired on Jan. 5 after the team limped to a 3-14 finish. He’s heading into his fourth year running the defense.
“Nick is someone I have always great respect for, especially going against him in the division over the last three years,” LaFleur said in a statement. “I’ve had the chance to meet with him and pick his brain over the last couple weeks and am even more impressed than I was before. I know the respect he has from coaches around the league and especially with the players on this team and that says a lot to me.”
The Cardinals looked at other options before sticking with Rallis. They interviewed Rams defensive passing game coordinator Aubrey Pleasant, Seahawks defensive passing game coordinator Karl Scott, and Giants linebacker coach Charlie Bullen (who coached linebackers in Arizona from 2019-2022), according to multiple reports.
Last season’s defensive numbers weren’t pretty.
Arizona finished 27th in total yards allowed per game. They were 25th against the run and 24th against the pass. The Cardinals gave up the most first downs per game in the league while ranking 22nd in interception rate and 28th in sacks per pass attempt.
Even worse – they allowed the fourth-most points per game in the NFL. Arizona gave up 40 or more points four times, 37 twice, and 31 once.
Ghobrial ran the special teams units for the Giants before making the move west. LaFleur praised his energy in Friday’s announcement.
“The enthusiasm he brings is infectious, which is critical for all coaches but especially on special teams,” LaFleur said in the 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 Friday.
The 46-year-old spent last season working as a defensive analyst for Matt LaFleur – Mike’s brother – with the Green Bay Packers. Before that, Hackett was the Jets’ offensive coordinator for two seasons (2023-24) and had a rough stint as Denver’s head coach in 2022. He also coordinated Matt LaFleur’s offense in Green Bay from 2019 to 2021.
“With Nathaniel, when you combine his experience with his high level of offensive production, it’s hard to think of anyone better suited for this position,” LaFleur said. “I’ve never worked with him but know he’s definitely one of the top offensive minds in the league and cannot wait to see what he can do with the playmakers we have on this offense.”
Hackett’s also been an offensive coordinator with Buffalo and Jacksonville during his career.
