The Arizona Cardinals announced on Mar. 9 that Teryl Austin has joined the team as a senior defensive assistant, returning to the organization where he previously coached from 2007 to 2010.
Austin, who was the defensive backs coach during the Cardinals’ run to an NFC championship in 2008, will bring his experience to a defense aiming to improve after a difficult 2025 season. The move comes as head coach Mike LaFleur assembles his new coaching staff for the upcoming year.
Former Cardinals Pro Bowl safety Adrian Wilson voiced support for Austin’s return. “TA is the best coach I’ve ever had positionally,” Wilson wrote. “Took my game to a whole other level. His ability to communicate and handle personalities was some of the best I’ve seen looking back on it because we had a group filled with it. Love it for him.”
Austin brings extensive experience from previous roles as defensive coordinator with the Detroit Lions, Cincinnati Bengals, and most recently with the Pittsburgh Steelers from 2022 through 2025. During his four years leading Pittsburgh’s defense, the team recorded a league-leading 110 takeaways and tied for sixth in scoring defense at 20.6 points per game.
Defensive coordinator Nick Rallis will continue in his role under LaFleur, providing continuity on staff. Austin had been part of Mike Tomlin’s staff in Pittsburgh since 2019 until Tomlin stepped down earlier this year.
The Arizona Cardinals are recognized as the oldest continuously operating professional football franchise in the United States according to their official website. The team competes in the NFC West division and serves fans throughout the greater Phoenix area according to their official website. Home games are played in Glendale, Arizona according to their official website.
The Cardinals are still finalizing their strength and conditioning coaching staff ahead of next season.