Full Cardinals HC Mike LaFleur’s coaching staff revealed

Full 2026 Cardinals coaching staff:

OFFENSE

Coordinator: Nathaniel Hackett
Pass Game Specialist: Connor Senger
QB: Matt Schaub
RB: Matt Merritt
WR: Tony Sorrentino
OL: Justin Frye
Asst OL: Chris Cook
TE: Jake Moreland
Quality Control: Brett Ekkens

DEFENSE

Coordinator: Nick Rallis
DL: Pete Kwiatkowski
Asst DL: Alec Osborne
ILB: Rod Wilson
OLB: Matt Feeney
CB: Zac Etheridge
DB: Cristian Garcia
Quality Control: Brent Jackson

SPECIAL TEAMS/SUPPORT

Coordinator: Michael Ghobrial
Assistant ST: Sam Sewell
Director, Football Strategy: Kenny Bell
Assistant to head coach: Jay Razzano

The biggest shockers were the two coordinators spots. OC Nathaniel Hackett was hired almost immediately after LaFleur’s press conference. Hackett was LaFleur’s replacement with the New York Jets and has plenty of success in the same role as a member of the Green Bay Packers. His recent failures in New York has fans weary to trusting Hackett, but his two decade NFL coaching career gives him some grace.

Nick Rallis being one of the few names to return was another shocker. 10 coaches from last year staff return under LaFleur. Some were obvious like offensive pass game specialist Conner Senger, who got major interest from opposing teams for vacant offensive coordinators. However, Rallis was the defensive play caller for one of the worst defenses in the NFL last season.

The Cardinals were 29th in points allowed, surrendering 37+ points in six of the last nine weeks. Major injuries had starters in and out of the lineup, with a heavy reliance on rookie and reserves that didn’t pan out. LaFleur answer for why he kept Rallis and nine other coaches by crediting their character.

“The guys that were retained have high character,” LaFleur said via team website. “The guys that were retained have high capacity. That was evident. I’m just going to be myself and have honest and open dialogue. We will hold our staff to a standard, which will start with me.”

Of the new hires, the 2026 season will be their first NFL coaching experience. Miami’s Zach Etheridge and Texas’ Pete Kwiatkowski are coming the college ranks, while quarterback coach Matt Schaub will get his first coaching opportunity with the franchise.