With the offseason starting for all 32 teams, the Arizona Cardinals must assemble their staff. The biggest decision in front of them is who they’ll hire as the defensive coordinator.
The Cardinals have two candidates linked to the job: New York Giants outside linebackers coach and interim defensive coordinator Charlie Bullen, and Los Angeles Rams passing game coordinator Aubrey Pleasant. Houston Texans secondary coach Dino Vasso also interviewed, but is heading back to Houston after bowing out of the search.
Both remaining candidates are getting serious consideration across the league for defensive coordinator openings. In addition to the Cardinals, Pleasant will interview for the Cleveland Browns defensive coordinator position, per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.
The Browns’ defensive coordinator opening came as a surprise across NFL circles. The team hoped to retain veteran defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz through a head coach change. That immediately backfired, as Schwartz resigned following Cleveland’s hire of former Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken.
If the Cardinals’ preferred choice for defensive coordinator is Pleasant, that could be potentially bad news. Cleveland carries the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, Myles Garrett, who broke the NFL’s single-season sacks record in 2025. But the Cardinals could have a secret weapon to convince Pleasant to take their opening instead.
Aubrey Pleasant’s Link to the Cardinals
Pleasant has an obvious connection to new head coach Mike LaFleur. The two coaches worked on the Los Angeles Rams’ staff the past three seasons. With Rams defensive coordinator Don Shula staying, the Cardinals represent a promotion opportunity.
The defensive coordinator is also a candidate to be the Cardinals’ assistant head coach. Pleasant has that title with the Rams, despite not being the defensive play-caller. While he has not been an NFL head coach, that type of experience will be an asset for LaFleur.
The two can rely on offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett. Hackett spent a year as the Broncos‘ head coach, but he became the fifth head coach to be fired in his first season. While it wasn’t a good experience for the veteran offensive coordinator, it still adds a perspective to the staff.
Why the Cardinals are a Good Destination for Aubrey Pleasant
The 38-year-old coach has a background coaching in the secondary. General manager Monti Ossenfort has heavily invested in his defense, in both money and draft picks, since taking over. That’s something the rising coaching star will appreciate, as he’ll have a lot of talent to work with should he take the job.
Under Ossenfort, the Cardinals have drafted Garrett Williams, Max Melton, and Will Johnson with Day 2 picks. The trio project to be the top three starters at cornerback, with Williams in the slot.
In addition to their young cornerback trio, they’re also deep at safety. Eight-time Pro Bowl Budda Baker is the star player at the position. However, he may have a new running mate in 2026. Former fourth-rounder Dadrion Taylor-Demerson could take over the free safety role, as Jalen Thompson will become a free agent this spring.
The secondary serves as the strength of the defense. But Ossenfort also landed a premier pass rusher in Josh Sweat in free agency. Sweat recorded a 12.0-sack season in his first year with the Cardinals.
2025 first-rounder Walter Nolen III also projects to be an impact player on the defensive line. Injuries limited him to six games, but the high-motor defensive lineman recorded 2.0 sacks and five quarterback hits.
The Cardinals’ defense is talented enough to take the next step and play better than they did in 2025. It’s just a matter of staying healthy and making the right decision at defensive coordinator. The next few days will indicate how viable the job is.
Cardinals Face Competition for In-Demand Defensive Coordinator Candidate