Feb 3, 2026; Tempe, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur speaks to the media at the introductory press conference at the Cardinals training facility. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
GLENDALE – Nearly two weeks after the hiring of new Arizona Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur, his staff is starting to come together. While the coordinator hires have fans scratching their heads, LaFleur has decided to bring back two critical position coaches for the 2026 season. CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz reported on Sunday that Arizona will retain linebackers coach Cristian Garcia and pass game specialist Connor Senger.
Thank you for reading this post, don’t forget to subscribe!
Dec 7, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals linebackers coach Cristian Garcia against the Los Angeles Rams at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Zenitz on Cardinals keeping Garcia and Senger:
The franchise signed Garcia last year under head coach Joanthan Gannon. His previous stops was with the Dallas Cowboys as an assistant defensive backs/quality control coach. In Arizona, his linebackers played a massive part in the first eight games of the season, when the defense was elite. Mack Wilson Sr. was having the best season of his career before injuries ended and killed the defense’s momentum.
Arizona Cardinals offensive quality control coach Connor Senger speaks with the media as new coaching staff hires are introduced at the Cardinals facility in Tempe on March 8, 2023. Syndication: Arizona Republic
Senger was also brought in with Gannon, but he arrived back in 2023. At just 30 years old, Senger has quickly become one of the most sought out coaching hires this past cycle. Many NFL teams were looking at the former Wisconsin Badgers quarterback for vacant offensive coordinator roles, with the Seattle Seahawks quite interested.
However, LaFleur ensured to keep Senger in his coaching staff for the same position as pass game specialist. He previously held jobs within the organization like offensive quality control coach and assistant quarterbacks coach, but the 2026 season will be the first time in his NFL career he’s held the same title for back-to-back years.
Cardinals hire former National Champion Zac Etheridge as DBs coach in 2026
Get the BEST Phoenix sports insider information, and exclusive content. SIGN UP HERE to unlock our premium content!*
Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
