Matt Schaub, the former two-time Pro Bowl quarterback best known for his standout years with the Atlanta Falcons and Houston Texans, is poised for a comeback to the NFL—this time on the coaching side. According to Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports, the Arizona Cardinals are expected to hire Schaub as their new quarterbacks coach for the 2026 season.
Feb 5, 2024; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons helmet on the table before Raheem Morris is introduced as the new head coach of the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 5, 2024; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons helmet on the table before Raheem Morris is introduced as the new head coach of the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Former Atlanta Falcons QB Matt Schaub Set to Return to NFL as Cardinals Quarterbacks Coach
The move comes as the Cardinals build out their offensive staff under first-year head coach Mike LaFleur (hired recently after serving as offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams). LaFleur and Schaub share a connection: LaFleur was on the Falcons’ staff during Schaub’s time in Atlanta in 2016, when Schaub provided veteran presence as a backup.
Schaub’s Playing Career and Falcons Ties
Schaub enjoyed a solid 16-year NFL career (2004-2020), appearing in 93 starts across multiple teams. He threw for 25,467 yards, 136 touchdowns, and 91 interceptions. His most productive stretches came with the Texans (where he set franchise records in several passing categories) and the Falcons, where he served as a reliable veteran arm during their NFC South runs.
After retiring in January 2021, Schaub took a year off before returning to the Falcons in 2023 as a football analyst—his first step into post-playing football roles. That experience helped bridge the gap to coaching, giving him insight into scheme, player development, and quarterback mechanics from an insider’s perspective.
Why This Move Fits for the Cardinals
Aug 15, 2019; Atlanta, GA, USA; New York Jets defensive tackle Quinnen Williams (95) chases Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Schaub (8) in the second quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Aug 15, 2019; Atlanta, GA, USA; New York Jets defensive tackle Quinnen Williams (95) chases Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Schaub (8) in the second quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Arizona enters the 2026 offseason with uncertainty at quarterback. Kyler Murray is reportedly on the trade block (potentially fetching a Day 2 pick, with sources citing a second- or third-round value comparable to Geno Smith’s recent deal). The team could pursue options via trade, free agency (e.g., Malik Willis), or the draft (e.g., prospects like Ty Simpson).
Hiring a former NFL starter like Schaub brings credibility and experience to mentor whoever ends up under center. As quarterbacks coach, he’ll work closely with LaFleur and offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett (also newly added) to develop the room—making this a key piece in Arizona’s rebuild after a tough recent stretch.
The report has gained traction across outlets like Pro Football Rumors, NBC Sports, USA Today’s Cards Wire, Houston Chronicle (highlighting his Texans legacy), and Sports Illustrated (noting the Falcons connection). No official announcement from the Cardinals has come yet, but the expectation is strong ahead of the new league year.
Schaub’s transition from player to analyst to coach mirrors a common path for retired QBs looking to stay in the game. Falcons fans will recognize the full-circle moment—after contributing on the field in Atlanta, he’s now stepping into a coaching role elsewhere.
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