The Arizona Cardinals interviewed Seattle Seahawks defensive backs coach and passing game coordinator Karl Scott for their open defensive coordinator role, according to CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz.
Zenitz adds Scott has received interest for a few defensive coordinator openings the past two years.
Scott has served as Seattle’s DBs coach and defensive passing game coordinator since 2022. He was originally hired by former head coach Pete Carroll. Mike Macdonald, who took over in 2024, kept Scott on board.
Under Scott, Seattle’s passing defense ranked 10th in the league behind 193.9 yards allowed per game. It allowed the seventh-fewest touchdowns with 20 and was fifth in interceptions with 18.
The Seahawks got a lot out of rookie safety Nick Emmanwori, who racked up 81 tackles (nine for loss), 2.5 sacks, an interception and 11 passes defensed. Veteran Coby Bryant added 66 tackles, four picks and seven passes defensed. Cornerbacks Josh Jobe and Tariq Woolen chipped in 12 passes defensed each.
Scott got his NFL start as a defensive backs coach with the Minnesota Vikings in 2021.
Before that, he had college stops at Alabama (2018-20), Texas Tech (2016-17), Louisiana Tech (2015), Southeastern Louisiana (2012-14), Tusculum College (2008-11) and Delta State (2007).
Arizona is still on the search for a new defensive coordinator following the hiring of head coach Mike LaFleur this offseason. Los Angeles Rams defensive passing game coordinator Aubrey Pleasant, New York Giants linebackers coach Charlie Bullen and Houston Texans defensive backs coach Dino Vasso have all been linked to the job. Vasso has since taken his name out of consideration.
Nick Rallis headed the Cardinals defense the past three seasons. It’s unclear what’s next for Rallis after former head coach Jonathan Gannon’s firing.
LaFleur has slowly begun building his coaching staff, adding offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, running backs coach Matt Merritt and QBs coach Tony Sorrentino to the mix.
