Josh WeinfussFeb 14, 2026, 07:30 AM

CloseJosh Weinfuss is a staff writer who covers the Arizona Cardinals and the NFL at ESPN. Josh has covered the Cardinals since 2012, joining ESPN in 2013. He is a member of the Pro Football Writers of America and a graduate of Indiana University.

Multiple Authors

TEMPE, Ariz. — New Cardinals coach Mike LaFleur will retain defensive coordinator Nick Rallis, the team announced Friday.

Arizona also announced Michael Ghobrial as their new special teams coordinator and made Nathaniel Hackett’s hire as offensive coordinator official.

Rallis was initially brought to Arizona in 2023 by former head coach Jonathan Gannon, who was fired on Jan. 5 after a 3-14 season. Rallis will enter his fourth season as the Cardinals’ defensive coordinator.

Editor’s Picks

2 Related

“Nick is someone I have always great respect for, especially going against him in the division over the last three years,” LaFleur said in a statement. “I’ve had the chance to meet with him and pick his brain over the last couple 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.”

Arizona interviewed Rams defensive passing game coordinator Aubrey Pleasant, Seahawks defensive passing game coordinator Karl Scott and Giants linebacker coach Charlie Bullen, who was a linebackers coach with the Cardinals from 2019-2022, for its defensive coordinator job, according to multiple reports.

The Cardinals finished the season ranked 27th in total yards allowed per game, 25th in rushing yards allowed per game and 24th in passing yards allowed per game. They were ranked 22nd in interception rate and 28th in sacks per pass attempt while giving up the most first downs per game. Arizona also gave up the fourth-most points per game last season in the NFL and allowed 40 or more points four times, 37 twice and 31 once.

Ghobrial comes over to the Cardinals from the Giants, where he led New York’s special teams units.

“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,” LaFleur added in the statement.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Arizona’s plan to hire Hackett as offensive coordinator earlier this month.

Hackett, 46, spent last season as a defensive analyst for Mike La Fleur’s brother, Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur. Before that, Hackett was the New York Jets‘ offensive coordinator for two seasons (2023-24), the Denver Broncos‘ head coach in ’22 and Matt LaFleur’s offensive coordinator from 2019 to ’21.

“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,” LaFleur said. “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”

Hackett also was an offensive coordinator with the Buffalo Bills and Jacksonville Jaguars during his career.