A coaching shakeup has the NFL buzzing, and the Arizona Cardinals are at the center of it all. With the recent firing of head coach Jonathan Gannon, the team is once again on the hunt for a new leader, and the search is heating up.
The Cardinals' coaching carousel continues to spin, and this time, it's a battle for the best talent.
Since 2017, Arizona has gone through four head coaches, and now, with General Manager Monti Ossenfort leading the charge, they're looking for their second head coach under his watch. It's a familiar situation, but this time, they're determined to get it right.
The search begins this week, and already, several names are being linked to the Cardinals' vacancy. Let's dive into the candidates and explore why each brings something unique to the table.
But here's where it gets controversial... some of these coaches have already had a taste of the top job, and their past experiences could be a double-edged sword.
First up, we have Thomas Brown, the New England Patriots' passing game coordinator. Brown has played a crucial role in developing young quarterback Drake Maye, who is now leading the Patriots into the playoffs. With interim head coaching experience under his belt, Brown stepped up when the Chicago Bears needed him in 2024. He's no stranger to success, having worked under Sean McVay with the Rams and now Mike Vrabel with the Patriots.
Next, we have Klint Kubiak, the Seattle Seahawks' offensive coordinator. Kubiak has helped the Seahawks earn a first-round bye this season with an impressive 14-3 record. In his first year with the team, Seattle's offense ranked in the top 10, and they were third in points scored. Kubiak is in high demand, with the New York Giants, Las Vegas Raiders, and Atlanta Falcons also requesting interviews.
And this is the part most people miss... the Cardinals have their eyes on Robert Saleh, the San Francisco 49ers' defensive coordinator. Saleh returned to the NFC West this season after a stint as an offensive consultant with the Green Bay Packers. Despite key injuries to players like Nick Bosa and Fred Warner, the 49ers' defense ranked 20th overall, and they allowed the 13th-fewest points. Saleh has head-coaching experience too, having led the New York Jets from 2021 to 2024.
Anthony Weaver, the Miami Dolphins' DC, is another candidate on the Cardinals' radar. Weaver has spent the last two seasons with the Dolphins after three years with the Baltimore Ravens. In his first year in Miami, the team boasted the fourth-best defense, but this past season, they slipped to 22nd in total yards and 24th in scoring.
Finally, we have Vance Joseph, the Denver Broncos' DC. Joseph has helped craft a formidable defense for the top seed in the AFC this postseason. He's no stranger to the Cardinals, having served as their defensive coordinator under Kliff Kingsbury and interviewed for the head-coaching job in 2023. Joseph's stock has risen since his previous stint as Denver's head coach from 2017 to 2018, where he posted an 11-21 record.
The Cardinals' search for a head coach is a fascinating journey, and with these candidates, they have a mix of experience and fresh talent to consider. Who will ultimately get the nod? Only time will tell, but one thing's for sure: the NFL world is watching with bated breath.
So, what do you think? Who should the Cardinals choose, and why? Let's discuss in the comments and share our thoughts on this crucial decision!
