Larry Foote could be 'former player' to join Arizona Cardinals defensive staff

Arizona Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians said recently the team would announce its coaching staff changes next week, as they have some vacancies to fill after Todd Bowles left to become head coach of the New York Jets.

Arians mentioned "hopefully a former player" joining the staff. According to Kent Somers, that could be linebacker Larry Foote. A source told Somers if Foote decides to retire he could join the Cardinals defensive staff.

It would make sense. Defensive coordinator Todd Bowles took linebackers coach Mike Caldwell with him to the Jets. Outside linebacker coach James Bettcher is expected to be promoted to be the defensive coordinator. They will have two linebackers coach vacancies.

Foote has played in the NFL 13 years and will be 35 in June. He already said might be done playing. He is a two-time champion. He played for legendary defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau for years in Pittsburgh. In his one season with the Cardinals, he became an instant leader and was almost voted captain after just a couple of months with the team.

The fact Arians said "hopefully" suggests that Foote would be the guy, too, as the report doesn't indicate he has decided to retire or not.

Foote was quite productive in 2014. The team credited him with 83 tackles, two sacks and an interception. He did, though, start to fade down the stretch during the season.

Foote would be a fantastic addition to the coaching staff. He already has the respect of the players, he is knowledgeable and has been on great defenses.

The only question is whether or not he wants to coach or play. Based on Arians' comments, it looks like coaching will be the more likely decision.