The Arizona Cardinals are actively seeking a new head coach following the firing of Jonathan Gannon. This marks yet another chapter in their ongoing search for stability in leadership, as they have cycled through five head coaches since 2017. Current general manager Monti Ossenfort is determined to find a strong candidate that can lead the team effectively.
Robert Saleh in the Running for Cardinals Head Coach Position
One of the prominent candidates is Robert Saleh, the defensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers. Saleh is scheduled for an in-person second interview with the Cardinals on Tuesday. He initially interviewed with Arizona the previous Thursday as part of the team’s extensive search for a new head coach.
Saleh’s experience includes a head coaching stint with the New York Jets from 2021 to 2024, where he held a 20-36 record. His most recent role was with the 49ers, where he returned this past season after a previous tenure from 2017 to 2020 that included a Super Bowl appearance. The 49ers’ defense ranked 20th in the league this season, allowing 340.2 yards per game and the 13th-fewest points at 21.8.
Other Candidates for the Cardinals Head Coach Position
- Mike LaFleur: Currently the offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams, he has a strong offensive track record. Under LaFleur, the Rams led the NFL in several statistics, including points per game (30.5) and total yards (6,709).
- Jeff Hafley: The former Boston College head coach has experience as the Green Bay Packers’ defensive coordinator. He has been recognized for improving the Packers’ defense, ranking 12th in yards allowed last season.
- Raheem Morris: Formerly the Atlanta Falcons’ head coach, Morris has extensive experience in the NFL and previously held a successful defensive role with the Los Angeles Rams during their Super Bowl run.
- Arthur Smith: Recently associated with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Smith began his career as the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons. His offensive strategies showed promise, particularly during his tenure with the Tennessee Titans.
- Jesse Minter: Currently the defensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Chargers, he previously helped the Michigan Wolverines succeed. Minter’s unit ranked fifth in the league in defense this past season.
Additional Coaching Interviews and Developments
The Cardinals have also reached out to several other candidates, including:
- Matt Burke: The defensive coordinator for the Houston Texans and a former Cardinals coach, Burke has led his unit to rank first in total defense during the latest regular season.
- Chris Shula: Serving as the defensive coordinator for the Rams, Shula has experience in various roles and has had success with defensive strategies.
- Thomas Brown: The New England Patriots’ passing game coordinator, he has recently shown his capability in developing young quarterbacks.
- Klint Kubiak: Currently with the Seattle Seahawks, Kubiak’s offense was outstanding during the past season, contributing to the team’s success.
- Anthony Weaver: The Miami Dolphins’ defensive coordinator has had success with the Dolphins’ defense, showcasing his capabilities in past seasons.
As the Cardinals navigate this coaching search, the focus will be on identifying a leader who can unify the team and improve performance on the field. With several interviews lined up, the organization aims to secure a head coach who aligns with their vision for the future.
