The Arizona Cardinals announced their coordinators on Friday who will work under new head coach Mike LaFleur. Nathaniel Hackett is the Cardinals’ new offensive coordinator. Nick Rallis returns/is retained as the defensive coordinator. Michael Ghobrial is the new special teams coordinator.
In the team’s press release announcing the moves, there were quotes by LaFleur about each guy.
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What did he say about each of his new coordinators?
What did Mike LaFleur have to say about OC Nathaniel Hackett?
“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. 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”
LaFleur is working with Hackett for the first time, but they have connections. Hackett was on the Green Bay Packers‘ coaching staff twice under Matt LaFleur, the older brother of the Cardinals’ head coach.
What did Mike LaFleur have to say about DC Nick Rallis?
“Nick is someone I have always great respect for, especially going against him in the division over the last three years. During the interview process, I expressed that he was someone I held in high regard and would be very interested in talking to about the position. I’ve had the chance to meet with him and pick his brain over the last couple of 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.”
This is the most interesting decision, as Rallis’ defenses for the last three years have been below average to bad. But LaFleur sees something in him, and it is very possible that he had his older brother in his ear. The Packers hired former Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon as their new defensive coordinator, and Gannon is a huge supporter of Rallis.
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What did Mike LaFleur say about ST coordinator Michael Ghobrial?
“I have great familiarity and regard for him from our time with the Jets and I know he’s only continued to grow stronger as a coach in the subsequent years with the Giants. The enthusiasm he brings is infectious, which is critical for all coaches but especially on special teams. As a team, we will definitely benefit from his energy and experience.”
They worked together on the Jets when Ghobrial was an assistant special teams coach. But he was the special teams coordinator for the New York Giants for the last two seasons, so he is not new to the position.
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This article originally appeared on Cards Wire: What Cardinals HC Mike LaFleur had to say about his new coordinators