The Arizona Cardinals have made a bold move to improve their struggling defense by bringing in veteran coach Teryl Austin. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, new Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur has hired Austin as a defensive assistant in hopes of turning around their bottom-10 defense.
At 61 years old, Austin brings a wealth of experience to the Cardinals. He most recently served as the defensive coordinator for the Pittsburgh Steelers from 2022-2025, and was with the team from 2019-2025. During his time with the Steelers, Austin helped lead the team to a top-10 defense in 2024 and 2025.
The addition of Austin to LaFleur’s staff is a promising sign for the Cardinals. With his proven track record of success, Austin will bring a new level of expertise and leadership to the team’s defense. His experience and knowledge of the game will be invaluable in helping the Cardinals improve on their lackluster defensive performance in recent years.
Austin’s hiring also speaks to the confidence that LaFleur has in his coaching staff. As a first-time head coach, LaFleur has surrounded himself with experienced and talented coaches who will help him build a winning team. Austin’s addition is just another example of the Cardinals’ commitment to building a strong and competitive team.
But it’s not just Austin’s coaching abilities that make him a valuable addition to the Cardinals. He also brings a strong sense of character and leadership to the team. Throughout his career, Austin has been known for his ability to connect with players and get the best out of them. This will be crucial for the Cardinals as they look to improve their defense and compete in a tough NFC West division.
The Cardinals’ decision to bring in Austin also shows their dedication to making necessary changes to improve the team. After a disappointing season in 2025, the Cardinals are determined to bounce back and become a playoff contender. The addition of Austin is a clear indication that they are willing to do whatever it takes to achieve that goal.
Fans should be excited about the potential impact that Austin will have on the Cardinals’ defense. With his expertise and leadership, he has the ability to transform the team’s defense into a formidable force. And with a talented roster that includes stars like Chandler Jones and Budda Baker, the Cardinals have all the pieces in place to become a dominant defensive team.
In addition to his role as a defensive assistant, Austin will also serve as a mentor to the Cardinals’ young defensive players. This is a crucial aspect of his hiring, as the Cardinals have a number of promising young players who will benefit greatly from Austin’s guidance and experience.
Overall, the addition of Teryl Austin to Mike LaFleur’s staff is a major step in the right direction for the Arizona Cardinals. With his proven track record, leadership skills, and commitment to excellence, Austin is the perfect fit for a team looking to turn things around. Fans can look forward to a revitalized defense and a competitive Cardinals team in the upcoming season.
