Oct 19, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon reacts against the Green Bay Packers at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
GLENDALE – The return of Arizona Cardinals defensive coordinator Nick Rallis was a surprise to everyone surrounding the team, but an NFL Insider believes that former head coach Jonathan Gannon might’ve played a part. NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo spoke with PHNX Cardinals about Rallis return and believes that the new Green Bay Packers DC Gannon either directly told Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur, or his brother Matt, to keep Rallis on the staff.
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Jul 27, 2023; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals defensive coordinator Nick Rallis talks to head coach Jonathan Gannon during training camp at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Schumacher-Arizona Republic
Garafolo on possible Gannon’s involvement in Rallis’ return:
At 32 years old, Rallis is seen as a coaching prodigy. The franchise have been high on him since his arrival with Gannon in 2023. In his second season, Rallis overachieved with the unit provided and had the 15th ranked scoring defense. The first eight weeks of this past season looked to follow suit with that success, but fell a part in the final nine games, allowing 37+ points six times.
Arizona Cardinals defensive coordinator Nick Rallis watches his team against the Chicago Bears during the fourth quarter at State Farm Stadium on Nov 3, 2024, in Glendale. Syndication: Arizona Republic
Gannon’s departure didn’t essentially mean that Rallis would be gone from the coaching staff. Throughout his eight-year NFL career, Rallis was the Philadelphia Eagles linebackers coach and defensive quality control for the Minnesota Vikings. Arizona and LaFleur could’ve brought him back in one of those roles if needed be, with many expected a new face in the defensive coordinator role.
Garafolo seems certain that Gannon had to have some communication between either LaFleur brother to defend and hype up Rallis, leading to the retention.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
