Cardinals Zero In on Defensive Coordinator Search, Eye Texans’ Dino Vasso and Rams’ Aubrey Pleasant
GLENDALE - With their offensive coordinator spot already filled, the Arizona Cardinals are now shifting focus to the other side of the ball - and they’re not rushing it. After introducing new head coach Mike LaFleur and quickly bringing in Nathaniel Hackett to run the offense, the Cardinals are taking a more deliberate approach in identifying the right leader for their defense.
And based on the names surfacing, they’re aiming high.
One of the top candidates drawing attention is Houston Texans defensive backs coach Dino Vasso. Arizona has officially requested to interview Vasso for the defensive coordinator job, and if you’re a Cardinals fan hoping for a defensive turnaround, this is a name worth knowing.
Vasso’s Resume Speaks Volumes
At just 38 years old, Vasso has already built a reputation as one of the sharpest secondary minds in the league. In 2025, his Texans unit ranked fifth in the NFL in passing yards allowed and third in opponent completion percentage - a testament to both scheme and player development. That kind of production doesn’t happen by accident, especially in today’s pass-happy NFL.
Since joining Houston in 2021, Vasso has been instrumental in transforming the Texans defense into one of the league’s most disciplined and opportunistic units. While head coach DeMeco Ryans and defensive coordinator Matt Burke have received plenty of credit for the Texans’ defensive resurgence, Vasso’s fingerprints are all over their success in the secondary.
His coaching journey started modestly - as an offensive intern at Temple - before switching to the defensive side at Missouri. But it didn’t take long for the NFL to take notice. Vasso landed a coaching assistant job with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2013, then moved on to the Philadelphia Eagles as a defensive quality control coach.
That stint in Philly turned out to be a pivotal one. Vasso was part of the Eagles’ coaching staff during their Super Bowl LII run in 2017, helping shape a defense that famously frustrated Tom Brady and the Patriots on the game’s biggest stage. Four years in Philadelphia sharpened his NFL chops, and his move to Houston gave him the opportunity to lead a unit - and shine.
Now, he’s on the verge of potentially taking the next step: calling plays as a defensive coordinator.
Another Candidate: Aubrey Pleasant
Vasso isn’t the only name in the mix. Arizona has also requested to interview Rams defensive backs coach Aubrey Pleasant for the DC position. Pleasant, another respected voice in secondary circles, has bounced between the Rams and Lions in recent years, and is known for his ability to connect with players and teach complex coverages in digestible ways.
While the Cardinals haven’t tipped their hand on which direction they’re leaning, the fact that they’re targeting coaches like Vasso and Pleasant tells us something important: they’re looking for teachers, communicators, and schemers who can elevate a defense that struggled mightily in 2025.
The Task at Hand in Arizona
Let’s not sugarcoat it - the Cardinals’ defense was one of the worst in the NFL last season. They struggled to get off the field, gave up too many big plays, and lacked consistency in both the pass rush and coverage. Whoever takes over as defensive coordinator will inherit a unit in need of an identity - and a spark.
But with promising young talent on the roster and a front office that appears committed to building through smart coaching hires, there’s reason for optimism in the desert.
Dino Vasso and Aubrey Pleasant both bring fresh energy, proven track records, and experience in systems that demand discipline and execution. Whether it’s Vasso’s ability to mold a secondary into a top-tier unit or Pleasant’s knack for teaching and communication, either coach could be the right fit to help the Cardinals defense find its footing.
Arizona made a quick move on offense. Now, they’re taking their time on defense - and based on the names in the mix, that patience might just pay off.