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Cardinals Finalize Coaching Staff as Mike LaFleur Taps Nathaniel Hackett as Offensive Coordinator

LaFleur will call plays with Hackett focused on offensive design, communication and weekly planning support.

Overview

  • Arizona formally introduced Nathaniel Hackett as offensive coordinator, clarifying that head coach Mike LaFleur will handle play-calling while Hackett helps craft the scheme and weekly plan.
  • Hackett described his role as “setting the table” or “setting the menu,” emphasizing energy, alignment and communication across the staff rather than primary play-calling.
  • LaFleur said Hackett was his only target for the job, calling him highly regarded and stating, “I wanted him and nobody else.”
  • The Cardinals have essentially completed their staff, retaining DC Nick Rallis and hiring ST coordinator Michael Ghobrial, with positional additions including Matt Schaub as quarterbacks coach.
  • Local reporting highlights a staff heavy on college-to-NFL hires and limited NFL positional experience, while Arizona still faces a pivotal quarterback decision with Kyler Murray’s future under evaluation due to injuries and a significant 2026 cap charge.