Arizona Cardinals' strength and conditioning staff still unannounced

The Arizona Cardinals open Phase 1 of their offseason program on April 7 with strength and conditioning, but outside the building, it is unknown who will be guiding the players when they report. The coaching staff section on the team website has no one listed for the sports performance staff, a group that had six people last year, five of whom were hired when general manager Monti Ossenfort was hired three years ago. Those hired in 2023 were director of football performance Shea Thompson, head strength and conditioning coach Evan Marcus, and assistant strength and conditioning coaches Jason Benguche, Everett Gathron and Kyle Sammons, who was also the sports science coordinator.

Buddy Morris, who had been the head strength and conditioning coach, became senior conditioning coordinator and worked mostly with players rehabbing from injuries. Assistant strength and conditioning coach Mark Naylor was let go. There was also a change at head trainer then with Tom Reed fired and replaced by Drew Krueger, who is still listed in the staff section for that job.

The status of all six is unknown at this time, one week before players officially report. Head coach Mike LaFleur mentioned after being hired that the team has to figure out how to keep players healthy and on the field. In several metrics, the Cardinals were at the top of the league list in 2025 with players missing games because of injuries.

Meanwhile, more than a month ago, while at the NFL combine, Ossenfort was asked about the topic and whether changes might be coming. He said, "We're still working through that. We'll have some clarity on that here soon.