Arizona Cardinals should be replacing defensive boss in 2020

It’s now time to start projecting who the Arizona Cardinals could replace defensive coordinator Vance Joseph with in 2020

This past offseason’s hiring of Vance Joseph seemed to be a good pickup for the Arizona Cardinals. The newly-appointed leader of the defense appeared to be a major upgrade over Al Holcomb, the club’s previous coordinator. Joseph was an NFL assistant for 12 seasons, and had spent the past two years as the head coach of the Denver Broncos as well.

As it turned out, the Cards highly-touted choice has been a colossal disappointment. Joseph is presiding over one of the worst defensive units in the league. There certainly appears to be talent among the group, but Joseph has failed to get adequate production out of his defenders.

Based on what has transpired thus far in 2019, the odds of Joseph being back with Arizona next year should be extremely thin. It would not be surprising if Steve Keim and company have already begun to construct a list of possible replacements for the beleaguered coach. Everything is projection at this point, but there’s a chance that some pretty intriguing candidates could be available for the Cardinals to choose from.

The most popular name being brought up on the message boards is actually an old acquaintance of the organization. Todd Bowles is currently running the Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense for Bruce Arians down in South Florida. The pair have not had much success in their new venture, however, so it would not be a shock to see Bowles seeking employment elsewhere in 2020.

Another interesting individual who could be looking for a new job next offseason is Chuck Pagano. The Chicago Bears coordinator has done a fine job with the team’s defensive group, but their offense has cost them victories. Pagano would bring 18 campaigns of professional experience with him to the desert if the Cards managed to land the 59-year old veteran.

The New York Jets have been somewhat of a dumpster fire with head coach Adam Gase at the helm. His defensive coordinator, Gregg Williams would be a solid addition for Arizona if he was exiled out of the “Big Apple”. The controversial 61-year old has been a mainstay in the league since 1990, when he secured his first pro gig with the Houston Oilers.

Another good fit for the Cardinals defense would be Denver Broncos coordinator Ed Donatell. The 62-year old held the same post with the Green Bay Packers and Atlanta Falcons as well. Out of everyone mentioned in this article, however, Donatell is probably the least likely to leave his current club.

Former Cards employee James Bettcher could also be targeted in 2020. The New York Giants defensive boss did a fine job performing the same tasks for Arizona from 2015-17. Under Bettcher, the Big Red defense finished no worse than 6th-overall during the three seasons that he was in charge.

It’s obvious that the acquisition of Joseph was a mistake. That error should be corrected by Keim as soon as the Cardinals complete their schedule. Replacing Joseph with someone more competent will be one of the most crucial transactions of the next offseason.