Arizona Cardinals reportedly allow Mike Caldwell to head to Jets with Todd Bowles

When Todd Bowles was hired as head coach of the New York Jets, Arizona Cardinals linebackers coach Mike Caldwell was rumored to be headed to the Jets with him. Now it is being reported by AZCentral's Kent Somers that the Cardinals have released Caldwell from his contract, allowing him to join Bowles' staff.

NFL Network and NFL.com reporter Ian Rapoport added one tidbit to the report, indicating Bowles was allowed to take only one coach from the Cardinals staff with him. If true, it means that defensive backs assistant Ryan Slowik, previously mentioned as a guy who could also head to the Jets staff.

Caldwell came with Bowles from the Eagles to the Cardinals, so it makes sense he would follow Bowles to the Jets. He is expected to be named assistant head coach.

Arizona will now have two slots to fill on its staff -- defensive coordinator and linebackers. Of course, if the team promotes someone currently on staff to be DC, as it is expected to be, there will be another vacancy to fill. Defensive backs coach Nick Rapone is rumored to be the favorite to be promoted, with outside linebackers coach James Bettcher also being considered.

Legendary defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau is expected to join the Cardinals staff as a senior assistant. The team is scheduled to meet with him next week.