Contemporary off a dismal 3-14 marketing campaign in 2025 that resulted within the crew firing head coach Jonathan Gannon, the Arizona Cardinals had a golden alternative to hit the reset button on protection.
As a substitute, new head coach Mike LaFleur — after conducting a full search and interviewing exterior candidates — opted to deliver again defensive coordinator Nick Rallis for a fourth season, in accordance with NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
That is a recipe for an additional shedding season.
Why sticking with Nick Rallis is a foul concept for Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals protection was one of many league’s worst in 2025, rating twenty ninth in factors allowed per sport (28.7 PPG), close to the underside in complete yards allowed (over 6,000), and struggling in move protection (permitting a 65.6% completion charge). They allowed explosive performs at an alarming charge and didn’t generate constant stress or turnovers. The unit’s collapse contributed closely to blowout losses, particularly late within the season.
The protection repeatedly faltered in situational soccer, within the purple zone and in fourth-quarter stops, turning shut video games into blowout losses. The NFC West is presently one of many hardest divisions, and the protection confirmed no indicators of growth or enchancment throughout his tenure.
Sticking with Rallis below a brand new regime is especially head-scratching. LaFleur, coming from the Los Angeles Rams and with expertise below Kyle Shanahan, might have put in a recent voice to align along with his imaginative and prescient or speed up development across the younger core.
Reports
indicate he interviewed the Rams’ Aubrey Nice and the Seattle Seahawks’ Karl Scott. Had been the candidates not , or is LaFleur assured in Rallis’ capability?
This means both restricted choices, inside religion in Rallis regardless of the monitor document or value/finances concerns — none of which encourage confidence for a franchise determined to flee the NFC West basement.
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