Feb. 5, 2026, 5:10 a.m. ET
The Arizona Cardinals have requested permission to interview New York Giants outside linebackers coach Charlie Bullen for their vacant defensive coordinator position, reports NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo.
Bullen, who served as the Giants’ interim defensive coordinator after Shane Bowen was fired during the regular season, impressed by shifting the unit to a more aggressive scheme. Under his guidance, the defense showed marked improvement in generating pressures, supporting the pass rush, and unlocking rookie linebacker Abdul Carter.
Players praised Bullen’s football knowledge, accountability, and ability to elevate performance, with the group rebounding to play closer to expected standards despite limited overall team wins.
Bullen has drawn coordinator interest league-wide, including a prior interview with the Dallas Cowboys.
New Giants head coach John Harbaugh retained him as one of only two assistants from the prior regime, alongside tight ends coach Tim Kelly.
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Bullen’s familiarity with Arizona adds intrigue: He served on Kliff Kingsbury’s Cardinals staff from 2019-2022, progressing from assistant linebackers coach to outside linebackers coach. The request comes shortly after the Cardinals hired Mike LaFleur as head coach.
While Harbaugh plans to keep Bullen unless he secures a coordinator role elsewhere, the Giants cannot block a promotional interview.
