GLENDALE – After the Arizona Cardinals figured out their defensive coordinator situation, it was time to fill out the coaching staff for that side of the ball. While all the offensive position coaches have been filled, Arizona needed to find who will lead their defense in 2026 and might’ve find the perfect first hire. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the Cardinals is hiring University of Miami defensive pass game coordinator Zac Etheridge for their cornerbacks coach.
Auburn cornerbacks coach Zac Etheridge celebrates with Auburn Tigers defensive back Nehemiah Pritchett (18) after an interception against Houston during the Birmingham Bowl at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Ala., on Tuesday December 28, 2021. Syndication: The Montgomery Advertiser
Cardinals hiring Etheridge for coaching staff:
Etheridge played ball at Auburn university from 2007 to 2010 and the National Championship team, headed by future MVP Cam Newton. The 37-year-old’s final season was his best, starting in 14 games and recording three interceptions and a fumble return touchdown. Despite a stellar end to his collegiate career, Etheridge wasn’t drafted and played for the Oakland Raiders in preseason in 2011 but couldn’t make the 53-man roster.
Jan 10, 2011; Glendale, AZ, USA; Auburn Tigers safety Zac Etheridge (4) breaks up a pass intended for Oregon Ducks wide receiver Jeff Maehl (23) during the second half of the 2011 BCS National Championship game at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
That is when he switched his focus to coaching, starting as a graduate assistant at Penn State and Georgia Tech for three seasons. Etheridge found his first position job at Western Carolina as the defensive backs coach, which is the same position he held at his four stops: Louisiana, Houston, Auburn and Miami.
This past season with the Hurricanes was his best work. Etheridge as the defensive pass game coordinator helped Miami’s be one of the best defenses in the nation, allowing 211.9 passing yards per game. The work of Etheridge and his players led the program to its first National Championship game since January, 2003.
Apr 17, 2021; Auburn, Alabama, USA; Auburn Tigers defensive coordinator Derek Mason (right) talks with cornerbacks coach Zac Etheridge during warmups before the start of the spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports
Despite not winning, Etheridge was a part of a massive turnaround of one of the biggest programs in college football. His work in Miami, and the past decade, has earned Etheridge his first NFL coaching job with the Cardinals, who have a young secondary that a former collegiate coach will know how to get the best out of on the field.
Get the BEST Phoenix sports insider information, and exclusive content. SIGN UP HERE to unlock our premium content!*
Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
