Big Red Blog: Cards waiting for head coach

The Cardinals’ coaching search is moving at a snail’s pace, leading one to believe the team has its eye on a candidate still in the playoffs.

Cards waiting for head coach

Posted by Brad Wilbricht
Thursday, January 10 - 10:15 PM

Earlier this week, the Arizona Cardinals announced that Steve Keim will fill the vacant general manager role, but the team has yet to make much progress on its search for a new head coach. Keim’s presence should help accelerate the process but don’t expect anything to happen soon regarding the Cardinals’ slow-moving search.

More than likely, Arizona has its eye on a candidate whose team is still engaged in the NFL playoffs.

The Cardinals have disclosed having multiple interviews with current defensive coordinate Ray Horton and talking with Denver Broncos offensive coordinator Mike McCoy last weekend, but it’s likely that more candidates will arise in the coming weeks. Reports indicate that Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator Jay Gruden will also be interviewed.

Unfortunately for Arizona, several other teams are taking this wait-and-see mentality.

That list includes the Chicago Bears, Cleveland Browns, Philadelphia Eagles and San Diego Chargers. The Jacksonville Jaguars can also be added to the mix as Mike Mularkey has been dismissed.

Meanwhile, only the Kansas City Chiefs (Andy Reid) and Buffalo Bills (Doug Marrone) have managed to find a new head coach.

A host of candidates will likely surface in the Cardinals’ search but those same candidates will also be coveted by the other teams seeking a new head coach.

Name such as Gruden, Kyle Shanahan (Washington Redskins offensive coordinator) and Bruce Arians (Indianapolis Colts offensive coordinator) are starting to pick up steam as each team lost in the wild-card round of the NFL playoffs.

Other names to keep tabs on include Gus Bradley (Seattle Seahawks defensive coordinator), Tom Clements (Green Bay Packers offensive coordinator) and Greg Roman (San Francisco 49ers offensive coordinator).

The Seahawks, Packers and 49ers will all battle in the divisional round of the postseason and at least one of these names will be free to pursue a head coaching position following this weekend.

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Questions or comments? Contact Brad Wilbricht at

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