Mike LaFleur has finalized his coordinator selections for the Arizona Cardinals, opting to retain Nick Rallis as defensive coordinator. The team announced Friday that Rallis will continue in the role he has held under Jonathan Gannon for the past three seasons.
Michael Ghobrial was named special teams coordinator, and the hiring of former Denver Broncos head coach Nathaniel Hackett as offensive coordinator was also made official. Reports last week had indicated Hackett would be chosen for the position.
The Cardinals’ defense faced significant injuries last season, with players such as Walter Nolen III, L.J. Collier, Mack Wilson Sr., Garrett Williams, and Will Johnson missing extended periods. As a result, the team ranked 27th in yards allowed per game and 29th in points allowed. General Manager Monti Ossenfort noted after the season that more development was needed among younger players.
In previous seasons—2023 and 2024—the defense performed well when injuries were less of a factor and while the roster was still being assembled.
“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. “During the interview process, I expressed that he was someone I held in high regard and would be very interested in talking to about the position. 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.”
Rallis reflected on his growth as a coordinator since joining Arizona in 2023: “It’s also hard to pinpoint,” Rallis said. “I think you probably gradually change throughout. That can be philosophically with scheme or technique. I always say, we’re not married to anything, where we feel we need to adapt and get better.
“I’m always trying to improve and grow, as a person, as a leader, as someone who can connect people in the building. I would sit here and say I’ve made this huge stride, but I feel you have to always continue to strive and get better. … I’d like to think that I have grown, and that there is still a lot of room for growth.”
Hackett brings experience from multiple offensive coordinator roles across several NFL teams: Buffalo Bills (2013-14), Jacksonville Jaguars (2016-18), Green Bay Packers (2019-21), New York Jets (2023-24), and now Arizona Cardinals. He worked most recently under Matt LaFleur with Green Bay but has not previously worked alongside Mike LaFleur; Hackett succeeded Mike as Jets offensive coordinator in 2023.
“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.”
Ghobrial previously worked alongside LaFleur at the New York Jets from 2021-22 as assistant special teams coach before spending two seasons with the New York Giants as their special teams coordinator.
“I have great familiarity and regard for him from our time with the Jets and I know he’s only continued to grow stronger as a coach in the subsequent years with the Giants,” LaFleur said. “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 continues assembling his full coaching staff; one recent decision includes retaining Justin Frye as offensive line coach after his first year with Arizona.
The Arizona Cardinals are recognized as both the oldest continuously operating professional football franchise in America—tracing their origins back to Chicago in 1898—and representing Phoenix while playing home games in Glendale within NFC West division of NFL competition.