Now that new head coach Mike LaFleur has rearranged the furniture in the big office, he’s still trying to flesh out his coaching staff in order to officially begin assembling the Arizona Cardinals’ 2026 roster.
One position that is greatly needed is consistency with the defense. It starts with hiring the right person for the open DC position on your team.
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One candidate on the list, Houston Texans defensive backs coach Dino Vasso, has had his name removed from Arizona’s roster. The Texans offered him a contract extension that would keep him in Houston. He is considered a top prospect in DC by multiple NFL clubs.
Coaches still being sought by LaFleur in Washington include Los Angeles Rams assistant head coach and passing game coordinator Aubrey Pleasant and New York Football Giants outside LB coach Charlie Bullen.
Vasso, 38, had one interview with Arizona before withdrawing. Houston head coach DeMeco Rains said Vasso’s work at defensive back was crucial to the success of his defense, which ranked No. 1 in defensive backs last season. It hasn’t been revealed how much Vasso’s salary will increase, but it’s apparently enough to keep him from leaving the Texans. This year alone, Houston has three Pro Bowlers from Vasso’s staff.
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Reigns and LaFleur worked together on the San Francisco 49ers’ coaching staff.
The list of things to consider in LaFleur is very short. Both coaches have ties to the Cardinals.
Breen, 41, previously coached Arizona’s outside LB group under DC Vance Joseph from 2019 to 2022 when Kliff Kingsbury was Arizona’s head coach. During this period, the Cardinals totaled 89 sacks, fifth-most in the NFL. Pleasant and LaFleur will be with the Rams from 2023 to 2025, the same year both coaches were hired.
Last year, Breen was promoted to interim DC when Giants head coach Brian Daboll was fired mid-season. He’s a smart coach. He was very detailed and he was very aggressive. Bren loves to apply pressure and blitz. His aggressive defensive approach will be a catalyst for this side of the Cardinals side.
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Pleasant is highly regarded in NFL circles and is a rising star. He spent three seasons on the same team as LaFleur, though their meeting rooms were never the same. He is known for establishing a versatile and aggressive triangle system that utilizes man-to-man coverage and a tight pass rush. Being pleasant is also known as attention to detail. He is recognized for creating a collaborative, dynamic environment.
Both of these finalists for the Cardinals DC job would be a great addition and help solve the defense’s problems. However, the new coach will need some help, such as bringing in another pass rusher to pair with edge rusher Josh Sweat and perhaps keeping defensive tackle Calais Campbell around for at least one more season.
LaFleur recently named offensive veteran Nathaniel Hackett as its new head coach.
