The Arizona Cardinals are expected to retain Nick Rallis as their defensive coordinator under new head coach Mike LaFleur, according to CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz.
Zenitz also reported the Cardinals are expected to retain Justin Frye as offensive line coach and hire former NFL Pro Bowl quarterback Matt Schaub as quarterbacks coach.
Rallis has been the Cardinals’ defensive coordinator since 2023, previously coaching under former head coach Jonathan Gannon for three seasons. Under Rallis last season, Arizona’s defense 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 had 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.
Arizona’s coaching staff under LaFleur continues to take shape after the Cardinals added offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, running backs coach Matt Merritt and wide receivers coach Tony Sorrentino to the staff.