GLENDALE – When Klint Kubiak publicly signaled he’s taking the Raiders job, per Senior NFL insider Adam Schefter, it didn’t just reshape one staff; it revealed a familiar problem in Arizona. The Cardinals have waited to hire a new head coach, and their window could be closing again.
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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. © Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Source: After meeting Saturday with Las Vegas and Arizona, Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak intends to try to work out a deal to become the next head coach of the Raiders. pic.twitter.com/KlFQiVlDy4
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 1, 2026
This isn’t about one coach; it’s about the process. Across the league, teams that finalize head coaching decisions earlier gain tangible advantages with more time to build staffs, align schemes with personnel, and install systems before the draft. Recently, the Cardinals have interviewed several candidates, yet they have been stagnant in finding an answer to their problem. Big names like Kubiak, who has chosen Las Vegas over Arizona, join a list including names like Robert Salah, who went to Tennessee instead of coming to the Cardinals.
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
Where the Cardinals pivot after Klint Kubiak’s plans to join Raiders:
Kubiak, heading to coach the Raiders, leaves the Cardinals pivoting under pressure, which compresses risky decision-making, and compressed decisions tend to chase “safe” instead of “right.” The smarter move for the Arizona Cardinals is clear, as Mike LaFleur from the Rams is certainly the name to look out for now. After two interviews with the Cardinals, he would realistically be the best option left on the table for the head coaching position.
Jul 23, 2025; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur during training camp at Loyola Marymount University. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
For Cardinals fans, this is about trust. Waiting feels cautious as it delays identity, delays hope, and delays the psychological buy-in that fuels a rebuild. Nationally, decisive franchises signal clarity. Locally, Cardinals fans need proof that the front office can read the room and move.
Cardinals to bring in Rams OC Mike LaFleur for in-person interview
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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
