Arizona Cardinals request interviews with a number of prospective defensive cooridnators

CINCINNATI, OH - NOVEMBER 12: Houston Texans Defensive Backs Coach Dino Vasso looks on during the NFL football game between the Houston Texans and the Cincinnati Bengals on November 12, 2023, at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Michael Allio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

The Arizona Cardinals are busy.

After hiring Mike LaFleur on Sunday, introducing him to the valley on Tuesday, they hired a new offensive coordinator in Nathaniel Hackett on Wednesday.

To make things even more fun, they are requesting a bevy of interesting names to potentially be LaFleur's defensive coordinator.

Here are the names we know they have requested to speak with, you'll note one name not on the list as of now is Don Wink" Martindale.

First, Charlie Bullen, he was the interim defensive coordinator for the New York Giants, and was with the Arizona Cardinals during Kliff Kingsbury's time as an assistant linebackers coach and outside linebackers coach.

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

Next up is Aubrey Pleasant, the 38-year old Pleasant has been an NFL coach for over a decade, working with the Browns, Washington, the Rams, Lions and Packers and most recently has been the defensive backs coach and defensive passing game coordinator for the Rams.

The #AZCardinals have requested #Rams assistant head coach and defensive pass game coordinator Aubrey Pleasant to interview for their DC job, source said.

Pleasant, who was a strong contender for #Chargers DC job, will interview with a former colleague in AZ. pic.twitter.com/pKIV28yOxQ

- Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 4, 2026

Finally, the team has requested to interview Houston Texans defensive backs coach Dino Vasso. The 38-year old Vasso has been a rising star with the Texans, helping the Texans secondary become the best passing defense in the NFL and helping develop their secondary.

The #AZCardinals have requested an interview with #Texans DBs coach Dino Vasso for their defensive coordinator job, source says. Veteran secondary coach gets a look for a DC job in Arizona. pic.twitter.com/SESa3o92wa

- Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) February 4, 2026

Which of the three known candidates is your favorite?