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We officially have a candidate for the Titans open defensive coordinator job. It’s former Cardinals defensive coordinator James Bettcher.
Former #AZCardinals DC James Bettcher is sxheduled to meet with the #Titans and the #Giants for their vacant coordinator jobs today here in Mobile, sources say. A top candidate for both.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 23, 2018
Bettcher climbed the coaching ladder pretty quickly after coming from the college ranks in 2012. He started as an outside linebackers coach with the Colts before taking the same position with the Cardinals in 2013. Bettcher took over for Todd Bowles after he left for the Jets job.
Arizona ranked 6th, 2nd and 5th in total defense over the last three seasons. It’s hard to argue with those numbers. I’m sure you all remember the Titans scoring just seven points in Arizona a couple of months ago.
Paul Kuharsky reported yesterday that 80 year old defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau would not return to the team under Mike Vrabel, opening the position. Rapoport says Bettcher will also talk to the Giants, but Jack Del Rio is also in the mix there.
So the scheme fits and Bettcher needs a job after Bruce Arians stepped down. Sounds like a no-brainer to me.