GLENDALE – The Arizona Cardinals top three names for their 44th head coach in franchise history seem to be a lock. Los Angeles Rams OC Mike LaFleur, former Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris and Jacksonville Jaguars DC Anthony Campanile. Of the three names, LaFleur seems the most likely, with reports of a second interview between him and the Cardinals likely happening following the NFC championship game.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!However, Arizona isn’t locked in to that top three, as NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported that the franchise are bringing in former Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver for a second interview.
Oct 12, 2025; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver leaves the field after a game between the Miami Dolphins and the Los Angeles Chargers at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Storry-Imagn Images
Cardinals and Weaver to meet again:
Weaver is a former 2002 2nd-round pick to the Baltimore Ravens. He played in the league for seven years and finished with 15.5 sacks as a defensive end. After retiring in 2008, Weaver got into coaching with Florida as a graduate assistant. A short stint with the Gators and North Texas, he got his first NFL coaching gig with the New York Jets as an assistant defensive line coach.
The 45-year-old bounced around early in his NFL coaching career, being on four teams in five years. It wouldn’t be until becoming the defensive line coach for his hometown team in the Houston Texans. Weaver remained with the franchise for five years until the firing of Bill O’Brien forced him to find his next job.
Jun 4, 2024; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver talks to cornerback Jalen Ramsey (5) during mandatory minicamp at Baptist Health Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
He returned to his first team in the Ravens as an associate head coach and defensive line coach under John Harbaugh until 2023. The Dolphins were in need of a new DC, following Vic Fangio’s departure and Mike McDaniel believed Weaver was the guy.
Miami was 22nd in points allowed before Weaver’s arrival and the next season became top 10 in that category. The defense was fourth in yards allowed and had become a different unit in short order. Weaver’s miracle working would only last a season, as this past year the unit fell to 22nd in yards and 24th in points allowed.
Injuries hasn’t helped Weaver’s cause, and he will surely get another NFL opportunity due to his work in 2024. The Cardinals could use a defensive mind like the former NFL player to turn the defense and franchise around.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
