The Arizona Cardinals will continue their search for a defensive coordinator under new head coach Mike LaFleur. Per NFL insider Tom Pelissero, Gus Bradley will take the job with the Tennessee Titans.
Bradley was linked to the Cardinals’ defensive coordinator role by The MMQB’s Albert Breer. Breer noted that play-calling responsibilities in Arizona may have offered an edge.
However, things didn’t work out that way. The veteran defensive coordinator chose to stay with Robert Saleh despite not having the play-calling duties on defense. The dynamic between the two coaches should be similar to what they had with the San Francisco 49ers in 2025.
Raheem Morris and Anthony Weaver were two defensive-minded coaches who were finalists for the Cardinals’ head coach job. Morris took Saleh’s old job as the 49ers’ defensive coordinator, and Weaver took the same role with the Baltimore Ravens.
As of the time of this writing, no other coach is linked to the opening. The Cardinals’ head coaching vacancy was considered one of the worst, so the same could also be true on defense. Ultimately, LaFleur may have to settle for a less proven coordinator to run the defense.
There is a significant risk to this approach, but it has been done successfully. Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Liam Coen brought in a first-time coordinator in Anthony Campanile. The two led the Jaguars to an AFC South title in 2025, and Campanile was seriously considered in the Cardinals’ head coach search.
Cardinals Linked to Former Giants Special Teams Coach
While the Cardinals are looking for their offensive and defensive coordinators, they may fill their Special Teams coordinator first. Jeff Rodgers, who served in that role under Jonathan Gannon in 2025, is headed to the Buffalo Bills.
To fill that vacancy, LaFleur is working an old connection from his time with the New York Jets. Jordan Raanan of ESPN reports that former New York Giants Special Teams coordinator Michael Ghobrial is a favorite to get the job with the Cardinals.
Ghobrial was the Giants ST coordinator for the past 2 seasons. Worked with new Cards coach Mike LaFleur previously with the Jets.
Ghobrial was the Assistant Special Teams Coordinator with the Jets from 2021 to 2023 under Saleh. LaFleur was the offensive coordinator for the first two seasons.
He took the lead role with the Giants for the past two seasons under Brian Daboll. With John Harbaugh set to take over in New York, there will be an entirely new staff. That creates an opportunity for LaFleur to land his next Special Teams coordinator.
Mike LaFleur Arrives in Arizona
The Cardinals flew in LaFleur and his family to Arizona. After offboarding the plane, the new head coach delivered a message for his newest fans (H/T PHNX Sports).
“We’re excited! Family’s here, and I’m excited to be here in Arizona. I can’t wait to get to know all you guys. I loved playing at that stadium for many years, and I’d love to be a part of that stadium and this fanbase. Appreciate it, look forward to getting to work.”
The Cardinals will hold a press conference to introduce Mike LaFleur to the media. The presser starts at noon Arizona time on February 3, per team reporter Zachary Groshman.
Veteran Coordinator Linked to Cardinals DC Opening Picks Titans Instead