Cardinals fire defensive coordinator Bill Davis

Jan 7, 2011, 12:55 AM | Updated: 1:03 am

TEMPE, Ariz. – A 5-11 season will cause a team to make changes, and the Arizona Cardinals made their first Thursday with the firing of defensive coordinator Bill Davis.

Davis, who was elevated to the position before the 2009 season following a stint as the team’s linebackers coach, has been with the Cardinals since Ken Whisenhunt arrived for the 2007 season.

The defense was under pressure to perform this season after surrendering 96 points in two playoff games the year before.

However, despite numerous changes in personnel, the Cardinals allowed more than 30 points six times while ranking 23rd in pass defense and 30th against the run.

Overall Arizona ranked 29th out of 32 teams in total defense in 2010, allowing 27.1 points per game.

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