2 Names Emerge in Cardinals' Hunt for Defensive Coordinator

The Arizona Cardinals are set to interview these two respective defensive minds.

Feb 3, 2026; Tempe, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur speaks to the media at the introductory press conference at the Cardinals training facility. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The Arizona Cardinals' search for a defensive coordinator wages on.

After hiring head coach Mike LaFleur, the Cardinals saw all top candidates in Anthony Weaver, Raheem Morris and Gus Bradley vanish from the pool of defensive play-callers, leaving an already dry coordinator market even more depleted.

The Cardinals still are believed to have Nick Rallis on staff, though Arizona is clearly doing their due diligence with other coaching opportunities.

Los Angeles Rams passing game coordinator Aubrey Pleasant and New York Giants interim defensive coordinator Charlie Bullen have reportedly been requested to be interviewed by the Cardinals.

More on Cardinals' Interview Requests

Oct 19, 2025; London, United Kingdom; Los Angeles Rams pass game coordinator Aubrey Pleasant reacts after a play against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the first half of an NFL International Series game at Wembley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Pleasant had spent the last three seasons in Los Angeles with LaFleur as the Rams' passing game coordinator, also holding positions such as assistant head coach and defensive backs coach in that time. Pleasant also interviewed for the Los Angeles Chargers' defensive coordinator spot this offseason as well.

In terms of familiarity, this hire would make sense thanks to his connections with LaFleur. It's not uncommon for coaches to bring over known names to help the transition and implement their ideas.

As for Bullen, NFL Media's Mike Garafolo says the he's a coveted asset at the moment.

The #AZCardinals have requested to interview Charlie Bullen for their DC position. Bullen was an in-house candidate for the #Giants and one of the few assistants retained on John Harbaugh’s coaching staff. He also interviewed for the #Cowboys’ DC position. pic.twitter.com/eoAF0voZGc

— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) February 4, 2026

READ: What Cardinals Said on Kyler Murray's Future

Bullen's overall coaching history rests within the defensive line and outside linebackers unit while Pleasant's experience resides more in the secondary.

Needless to say, all position groups can use a boost in Arizona after a mix of injuries and general underperformance saw the Cardinals drop in terms of playing levels.

"Yeah, We are casting a wide net," LaFleur said at his introductory press conference where the Cardinals still didn't have an offensive or defensive coordinator hired. "There's conversations that need to be had within this building, first with the coaches and all that. So we're going to be open to that, and again, we owe it to these players to build the best staff that we can for these guys."

The Cardinals did manage to make a hire on the offensive side of the ball, though it's a bit unpopular — you can read about it here.

LaFleur is hoping to round out his staff sooner than later as the NFL scouting combine is later this month. NFL free agency follows suit in the weeks shortly after that in March.

Arizona's close to finding a candidate and rounding out their staff, it seems.