GLENDALE – The Arizona Cardinals have began its coaching search for 2026 less than a week ago and already have eight names ready to interview for the position. The list includes coordinators and former head coaches, with some having ties to Arizona. Of the eight names, four are defensive coordinators, two are offensive coordinator, one being a passing game coordinator and the last one is a former head coach from last season.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Despite the number of defensive coordinator candidates interview, the best option might not be in the bunch.
Nov 16, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh reacts after defeating the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-Imagn Images
All eight names for coaching search:
- Anthony Weaver, DC – Miami Dolphins
- Jeff Hafley, DC – Green Bay Packers
- Klint Kubiak, OC – Seattle Seahawks
- Matt Nagy, OC/QB Coach – Kansas City Chiefs
- Raheem Morris, former HC – Atlanta Falcons
- Robert Saleh, DC – San Francisco 49ers
- Thomas Brown, Passing game coordinator – New England Patriots
- Vance Joseph, DC – Denver Broncos
Cardinals defensive coordinator Vance Joseph looks on during a practice at the Cardinals training facility in Tempe on August 31, 2021. © David Wallace/The Republic via Imagn Content Services, LLC
Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort is heading the head coaching search, and if his last press conference illustrated anything, he wants to find a coach that knows how to win. Based on that requirement, Ossenfort could look to find a coach that was a former NFL head coach. Of the eight, four are former head coaches, including Saleh, Morris, Nagy and Joseph.
Nagy and Joseph have been coordinators for the last four years, with their last opportunities four or more years ago. Saleh as the Jets head coach had a 20-36 record, and would inherit a roster similar in style as the Cardinals. Morris coached last season with the Falcons and failed to record a winning record. Of the four head coaches 14 seasons at the position, they have a combined two years with an above .5o0 record.
Dec 18, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) hugs offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak after defeating the Los Angeles Rams in overtime at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
Many factors go into a team’s record, but if Ossenfort wants to find someone with a recent history in winning, look no further than Kubiak in Seattle. In 2024, Kubiak was with the New Orleans Saints. After the teams scored 40+ points in the first two games, the offense fell off a cliff. One could blame Kubiak for the decline, but a injuries to quarterback Derek Carr hurt the team’s momentum and was never able to recover.
Sep 8, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak reacts against the Carolina Panthers during the pregame at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
Despite the shortcomings, Seahawks head coach Mike MacDonald took a chance on Kubiak and it paid dividends. The 38-year-old turned the 18th ranked scoring offense into the third best in the league this past season. Kubiak has continued the resurgence of former career backup Sam Darnold and helped him become a two-time Pro Bowler.
The balance of Kubiak’s offense is incredible, being top 10 in passing and rushing yards. Kubiak is a massive reason why Seattle is 14-3, and Ossenfort could try to bring him over to Arizona to try and replicate that success.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
