GLENDALE – The Arizona Cardinals had a second interview planned with San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh. All the franchise needed to survive was a coaching interview with the Tennessee Titans, and it couldn’t. Saleh accepted the head coaching gig, leaving general manger Monti Ossenfort and Arizona back to square one.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!With four out of the 10 NFL head coaching vacancy filled, the Cardinals will have to reassessed to find their 44th head coach in team history.
Aug 9, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals owner Michael Bidwill against the Kansas City Chiefs during a preseason NFL game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Who are the new favorites for Cardinals next HC:
Denver Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph remains the favorite for the job, and Arizona could just be waiting for the team to be eliminated from the playoffs to make it official. However, Ossenfort hasn’t stopped looking, setting up an interview with Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady. A name with no interview scheduled but has the second best odds is former Bills head coach Seam McDermott.
Similar to names like John Harbaugh and Kevin Stefanski, McDermott could be out of the franchise’s price range. Ossenfort will likely look at a top coordinator, two of which from the NFC West.
Arizona Cardinals owner Michael Bidwill and general manager Monti Ossenfort speak to the press from the Arizona Cardinals training center in Tempe after the decision to fire head coach Jonathan Gannon on Jan. 5, 2026. Syndication: Arizona Republic
Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak has the third-best odds and interviewed with the team on January 10th. Ossenfort should look to get a second opportunity to talk with Kubiak about the head coaching gig, as he is one of the most exciting offensive minds in the NFL.
On par with Kubiak’s offensive genius is Los Angeles Rams offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur. Arizona met with LaFleur last Friday and seems like one the best options on the market. The Rams ranked first in yards and points in 2025, with the 38-year-old playing a massive part in the production.
The worst case scenario is the franchise waits till every team finds their head coach, and Arizona picks from the leftovers. The Cardinals haven’t been aggressive, which is a reason they missed out on Saleh. If owner Michael Bidwill wants serious change, he’ll need to go out and do it.
Pat McAfee roasts Arizona Cardinals for “terrible” position heading into 2026
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
