The Arizona Cardinals have announced that they will bring back linebackers coach Cristian Garcia, after an offseason of uncertainty.

The Arizona Cardinals somewhat surprisingly decided to retain Nick Rallis as defensive coordinator. That has been met by mixed responses from fans. However, a captain on the Cardinals appears pleased that Rallis will return to lead the defense.

In what might have been a bit of a surprise, after interviewing several defensive coordinator candidates, the Arizona Cardinals are retaining Nick Rallis, their defensive coordinator for the last three seasons. His defenses have statistically not been great, so why did the Cardinals keep him when they could have started anew?

In a late-night news dump, the Arizona Cardinals have made a shocking decision in regards to their defensive coordinator position. After interviewing numerous candidates, the Cardinals are sticking with prior play-caller Nick Rallis according to CBS Sports' Matt Zenitz on X:

Rallis has been the Cardinals’ defensive coordinator since 2023, previously coaching under former head coach Jonathan Gannon for three seasons. Under Rallis last season, Arizona’s defense allowed 357.7 yards (27th in the NFL) and 28.7 points (29th) per game as the Cardinals finished 3-14.

Despite ranking 29th in points allowed in 2025, and a new head coach, the Arizona Cardinals will retain Nick Rallis at defensive coordinator.

The Arizona Cardinals interviewed Seattle Seahawks DB/passing game coordinator Karl Scott for their defensive coordinator position. Scott was a vital cog in the league's top defense this past season. pic.twitter.com/9MhhIJDvYF Scott has only been a defensive coordinator once, but he has a load of experience.