The Arizona Cardinals find themselves in a challenging yet familiar situation following the firing of head coach Jonathan Gannon, which has prompted the organization to initiate a search for his successor. This marks the fifth head coach since 2017 and the second under current general manager Monti Ossenfort as the team aims to revitalize its coaching staff.
As part of their thorough search process, the Cardinals have requested interviews with several candidates and have begun scheduling meetings to find Gannon’s replacement.
Among those linked to the Cardinals opening are:
Joe Brady, currently with the Buffalo Bills as their offensive coordinator, has an interview scheduled for Tuesday. At 36 years old, Brady would become the youngest head coach in the NFL if hired. In his recent tenure with the Bills, Brady oversaw the team’s offense, which ranked fourth in total yards per game and achieved a notable running game led by James Cook.
Robert Saleh, the San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator, is also in the mix. Reports suggest that Saleh is being considered after interviewing with the Titans for their head coach position. This comes after a solid season with the 49ers despite injuries to key players.
Another candidate is Mike LaFleur, the offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams, who has an upcoming interview. LaFleur’s offense achieved impressive numbers this past season, leading the league in several categories including total yards and points.
The Cardinals also expressed interest in Jeff Hafley, who recently became the head coach for the Miami Dolphins. Hafley has a robust coaching background, including experience in the NFL and as a former head coach at Boston College.
Former Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris is another potential candidate, having interviewed with Arizona following his time in Atlanta, where he led the team to back-to-back 8-9 finishes.
Arthur Smith, the offensive coordinator for the Pittsburgh Steelers, and Jesse Minter, the Chargers defensive coordinator, are among others slated for interviews. Minter’s unit recently ranked fifth in the league, showcasing his defensive acumen.
Other candidates include Matt Burke, currently with the Houston Texans, who led a top-ranked defensive squad this past season, as well as Vance Joseph, who previously served as the Cardinals’ defensive coordinator from 2019-2022.
The Cardinals’ active interest in such a diverse pool of candidates reflects their commitment to finding a strong leader who can guide the team moving forward. As they navigate this transitional phase, there is hope that a new head coach can bring revitalization to the franchise and set it on a path for future success.