New coaching staff taking shape for Arizona Cardinals

The Arizona Cardinals’ front office is assembling a brand new contingent of coaches to take the squad into the 2019 campaign

It all began this past Tuesday for the Arizona Cardinals. A new beginning for the organization started with a splashy hire, when they plucked Kliff Kingsbury from the college ranks to be their head coach. With that accomplished, the front office has now turned it’s attention to assembling a quality group of assistants for their new leader.

Three days after acquiring Kingsbury, the Cardinals made what is perhaps the second-most important hire of the current offseason. Vance Joseph has been brought in to be the defensive coordinator, landing the gig after an unsuccessful stint as the head man of the Denver Broncos. The 46-year old brings with him a 3-4 scheme, a system that former coach Steve Wilks did away with during his one-year tenure with Arizona.

A familiar face from the past has been brought back to handle the linebackers. Bill Davis, a former defensive coordinator with the Cards, is fresh off of a two-year stay with the Ohio State Buckeyes. Could the 53-year old coaching veteran be reunited with potential draft pick Nick Bosa in the desert, a player he’s been tutoring for the past two seasons?

The decision to retain special teams coordinator Jeff Rodgers is one that’s worthy of praise. The valuable assistant, who reportedly was fielding other offers, was apparently talked into staying by Kingsbury. Rodgers’ unit ranked seventh-overall in the NFL during the last eight weeks of 2018.

One assistant who won’t be returning to the Cardinals is Kevin Garver. The wide receivers coach has asked to be released out of his contract, a wish that management has granted. Garver is leaving to join former Arizona coach Bruce Arians, who was recently hired by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

At the time of this writing, the Cards appeared to be zeroing in on an offensive coordinator. Steve Sarkisian, 44, held the same title with the Atlanta Falcons for the past two years. Kingsbury will handle the play-calling duties, but the former University of Washington and USC head coach will provide support for the young innovator.

Of course, there are many more spots left to be filled on Kingsbury’s staff. Some crucial choices still need to be made. Stay tuned Cardinals’ fans, it’s getting interesting.