The Arizona Cardinals retaining Nick Rallis as their defensive coordinator is a “strong possibility,” according to CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz.
Rallis had been the Cardinals’ defensive coordinator under former head coach Jonathan Gannon for the past three seasons. Under Rallis last season, Arizona allowed 357.7 yards (27th in the NFL) and 28.7 points (29th) per game as the Cardinals finished 3-14.
The news comes after Zenitz reported earlier on Thursday that the Cardinals had interviewed Seattle Seahawks defensive backs coach and passing game coordinator Karl Scott for the DC job.
Scott has been one of several coaches linked to the Cardinals’ DC opening. Others include Los Angeles Rams defensive passing game coordinator Aubrey Pleasant, New York Giants linebackers coach Charlie Bullen and Houston Texans defensive backs coach Dino Vasso. Vasso has since taken his name out of consideration after returning to Houston.
The DC job remains a notable opening to fill for the Cardinals as new head coach Mike LaFleur continues to build his coaching staff. Since LaFleur was hired, Arizona has added offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, running backs coach Matt Merritt and wide receivers coach Tony Sorrentino to the staff.