Outside linebackers coachJames Bettcherhas been promoted to defensive coordinator, according to Cardinals beat writerKent Somersof theArizona Republic.
#azcardinalsannounce staff changes: James Bettcher promoted to DC. Bob Sanders hired as LB coach. Mike Chiuco to asst DB coach. (More)
— Kent Somers (@kentsomers)February 4, 2015
Bettcher is replacing a stout defensive coordinator who left for a head coaching position with the New York Jets inTodd Bowles. The former position coach is now facing the challenge of keeping the Cardinals defense as one of the top units.
With Bowles, Arizona was known to be one of the best-coached units which made adjustments and played to the players strengths.
However, Arizona already has a lot of talent with stars such as defensive endCalais Campbell, cornerbackPatrick Peterson, versatile safety/nickel cornerTyrann Mathieuand a bunch of very good individual players who excel in their roles, such as nose tackleDan Williams, cornerbackAntonio Cromartieand inside linebackerLarry Foote.
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Along with a solid veteran presence, Arizona has promising young players such as defensive endEd Stinson, who will most likely replaceDarnell Dockettin the future, outside linebackerAlex Okafor, strong safetyDeone Bucannon, inside linebackerKevin Minterand outside linebacker/defensive endKareem Martin.
Not only does Arizona have a healthy balance of veteran and young players, but also inside linebackerDaryl Washingtonwill return from a year-long suspension for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy again. Washington’s speed and athleticism will only help Arizona generate more pressure and contain those mobile quarterbacks.
With Bettcher, I love the move for the Cardinals to hire one of their own. That way, the new defensive coordinator already knows the defensive system and identity, and can already relate with the players already put in place.
Head CoachBruce Arianssummed up this thought according toDarren UrbanofAZCardinals.com.
"“I did not want our players to walk in and not know what they were doing the first day,” Arians said. “No new language. It’s the same defense, the same philosophy.”"
Bettcher’s replacement as outside linebackers coach,Bob Sanders, has coached multiple positions throughout his career.
He was the Miami Dolphins linebackers coach from 2001-2004, the Green Bay Packers defensive ends coach in 2005 and also their defensive coordinator from 2006-2008. Sanders was a linebackers and defensive ends coach for the Buffalo Bills from 2009-2012, and was a linebackers coach for the Oakland Raiders last year, coaching up talented pass rushers such asSio MooreandKhalil Mack.
Former Steelers defensive coordinatorDick LeBeaujoining former Cardinals head coachKen Whisenhuntin Tennesseeas the assistant head coachended up not being the end of the world. Arizona had a very good plan to bring in a quality coach with a lot of experience such as Sanders to the staff, and to promote one of their own coaches to the defensive coordinator position.
In this way, the Cardinals have been one of the best-run franchises in football the past couple of years, and with a solid plan in place, the Cardinals should have no problems remaining one of the best defenses in the league.
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