Jan. 18, 2013; Tempe, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians poses with a team helmet during a press conference at the Arizona Cardinals Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Well, at least the Arizona Cardinals will never be able to complain they have a lack of coaches. Head coach Bruce Arians has a staff of 21 coaches. Former head coach Ken Whisenhunt had 17. Is having more coaches the answer? We’ll see. I like the direction the Cards are headed in though.
Here is the new Cards coaching staff:
Defensive coordinator: Todd Bowles
I know some people are put off by Bowles after what took place in Philadelphia and especially after what Ray Horton was able to accomplish here. I have no issues with Bowles. He inherits a really good roster.
Offensive coordinator: Harold Goodwin
Goodwin is an offensive line guy. I think it is a good thing the Cards have an offensive line coach as their coordinator. Arians will be calling the plays.
Assistant head coach/offense: Tom Moore
This is a great pick up. I know there were a lot of jokes being made about his age when it was announced he was coming to the Cardinals, however his mind is still very sharp. As long as he still has a pulse, I’m fine with him being on the staff.
The rest of the staff
Pass rush – Tom Pratt; linebackers – Mike Caldwell; outside linebackers – James Bettcher; defensive backs – Nick Rapone; defensive line – Brentson Buckner; cornerbacks – Kevin Ross; special teams – Amos Jones; tight ends – Rick Christophel; running backs – Stump Mitchell; offensive assistant – Kevin Garver; tight ends assistant – Steve Heiden; assistant offensive line coach – Larry Zierlein; wide receivers – Darryl Drake.
The Cards retained Freddie Kitchens, who moves from tight ends to quarterbacks coach. They also retained John Lott and Pete Alosi as the strength and conditioning coaches. Ryan Slowik moves from outside linebackers to defensive backs assistant.
I love the fact you have a bunch of coaches who will not only have a specific focus but can also be counted on to help in other areas if needed. The Cards I believe are well equipped on the sidelines now. They just need to go out and replace the necessary personnel to get back to the playoffs.