GLENDALE – The Cardinals have taken their time with their head coaching search, and patience is wearing thin for Arizona fans. When ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter revealed on The Pat McAfee Show the three main candidates for the head coach of the Cardinals, the questions started pouring in.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!
Nov 23, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
NFL insider Adam Schefter named three possible coaches that the Cardinals front office has been high on. Anthony Campanile, the defensive coordinator from the Jacksonville Jaguars, has already interviewed, and Raheem Morris from the Atlanta Falcons and Mike LaFleur from the Los Angeles Rams are also high on the list. It clarified two things: the Cardinals know exactly what they want and what they’re willing to pay for.
Jan 4, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris on the sideline during the game against the New Orleans Saints during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
Adam Schefter predicts three candidates for the Cardinals:
“The Cardinals just had in Anthony Campanile..
I think they’re also looking at Raheem Morris and Mike LaFleur” ~ @AdamSchefter #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/NegXJUQy1K
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) January 23, 2026
Big-ticket, culture-defining names like Mike Tomlin and Sean McDermott are reportedly not on the list. If Arizona doesn’t interview them, that’s not a football decision alone; it’s an economic one. Established head coaches command not just salary, but control, staffing budgets, and long-term guarantees. Michael Bidwill’s choice here will signal whether Arizona is shopping premium or shopping within its organizational budget.
Aug 14, 2025; Carson, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur reacts during a joint practice at the Dignity Health Sports Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
For Cardinals fans, the psychological tension is real. Waiting feels like losing, though patience can also mean alignment. The Cardinals aren’t chasing headlines; they’re chasing infrastructure. This hire won’t just define Sundays; it will define how seriously the organization treats contention. Either way, the clock isn’t just ticking on a coach, it’s ticking on trust.
X Games gold medalist Colby Raha prepares for historic world record attempt in Mesa
Get the BEST Phoenix sports insider information, and exclusive content. SIGN UP HERE to unlock our premium content!*
Reporter Benjamin Bliklen covers the Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona Cardinals, and Phoenix Suns for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @BenBliklen
