Arizona Cardinals: Young coordinator has defense thriving
By Jim Koch
Thanks to a coach’s faith in him, James Bettcher has experienced a meteoric rise as the Arizona Cardinals’ defensive boss
Back in 2015, the Arizona Cardinals needed to find a new defensive coordinator. The New York Jets had scavenged Bruce Arians’ staff, persuading Arizona defensive guru Todd Bowles to become their head coach. The hunt for his replacement was on, an important search to say the least.
To the surprise of many, Arians ended up staying in-house, handing the reigns to 36-year old James Bettcher, his outside linebackers coach. Many thought the club would choose someone with more experience for such an important post. They did try for such an individual, but to no avail.
Arizona’s first choice for the job was an old friend of Arians’ from their time with the Pittsburgh Steelers. However, 77-year old Dick Lebeau was reluctant to relocate out West, having made his home in Cincinnati, Ohio. He ultimately turned down the Cardinals’ offer after some consideration.
It now appears that being rejected by Lebeau was a good thing for the squad. Bettcher has flourished as the Cards’ defensive leader. The franchise’s second choice has been better than anyone, even Arians, could’ve imagined.
In 2015, Bettcher’s first year in charge, Arizona’s defense finished fifth in the NFL, giving up just 321.7 yards per game. Last year, the unit performed even better. They ranked second in the league in 2016 (first in the NFC), giving up a paltry 305.2 yards per game.
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Bettcher has climbed the NFL ladder rapidly. He was named outside linebackers coach of the Indianapolis Colts in 2012, his first job in the NFL. Arians was also on that staff, taking over as head coach when Chuck Pagano became ill in the early part of the campaign.
He followed Arians to the Valley of the Sun in 2013, working under Bowles for two years. He had already earned a degree of respect from the defensive players before becoming Bowles’ successor. While his promotion may have just been a case of right place at the right time, he has certainly made the most of the opportunity.
Arians took a huge gamble two years ago by letting such an inexperienced coach become his coordinator. A move that raised many eyebrows. Up until this point at least, Bettcher is making the head coach look like a genius.