Cardinals announce new Defensive Coordinator

The news has finally broke of whom the Cardinals new Defensive Coordinator will be. James Bettcher, the man connected to the job since day one, has officially been announced as the man to replace Todd Bowles.

Bettcher, 36, has 12 years coaching experience, three in the NFL and nine in college. While coaching college he had roles with St. Francis, Bowling Green, North Carolina, Ball State and New Hampshire. He came into the NFL in 2012, starting with the Colts in 2012 as an assistant to the head coach. Arians brought him over when he was hired to lead the Cardinals in 2013.

With the Bettcher promotion the team also announced the hiring of Bob Sanders (not the former DB) to coach the linebackers. Sanders, 61, began his coaching career with Georgia Tech in 1978 as a part-time coach. He bounced around for 12 years before landing with Florida, and filling a multitude of different roles during his 10 year tenure.

His journey in the NFL started in 2001, where he spent three seasons with the Dolphins as their linebackers coach. In 2005 he was hired on as a defensive ends coach for the Packers, and promoted to DC for the 2006,2007, and 2008 seasons. He was most recently the Raiders linebackers coach during the 2013-2014 seasons.

The team also filled Ryan Slowiks position of defensive assistant with Mike Chiurco, the teams former Assistant to the Head Coach, which in turn lead to the hiring of Wesley Goodwin to become the new Assistant to the Head Coach.

The staff is full, with the exception of Pete Alosi, who the team has decided not to renew his contract.

Tyrann Mathieu, and several other key Cardinal defenders have voiced their support for the new coach, not releasing his name at the time, but that they were excited to play for him.

More detailed biographies of the new staff members to follow.