Arizona Cardinals favorites to land Payton, Kliff favored to be fired
By Sion Fawkes
Good news if you are an Arizona Cardinals fan: It looks like Kliff Kingsbury may be in his final days coaching this star-crossed franchise.
AZ Central posted a couple of articles yesterday depicting the likelihood that Arizona Cardinals head coach Kliff Kingsbury will be let go next Monday. The popular news outlet cited Odds Checker as the source regarding Kingsbury favored to be the next coach to receive his walking papers, ahead of Lovie Smith, Kevin Stefanski, Josh McDaniels, and Dennis Allen.
And it makes sense that Kingsbury’s job is in peril, just as we at Raising Zona have been talking about literally since September. With a 28-35 record, including 4-11 this season, Kingsbury’s Cardinals lost as many games in 2022 as they won in 2021. Overall, it’s just not a good look for Kliff, even with the amount of injuries, for his team to do a complete 180. My projection is that he will indeed be fired next Monday.
Arizona Cardinals also favored to land Sean Payton
As of December 30th, AZ Central cited Bookies odds, which gave the Arizona Cardinals a 28.6% probability of landing Payton, and +250 odds, a full 8.6% and -150 points behind the next team on the list, the Denver Broncos.
Payton has long been connected to the Dallas Cowboys and Los Angeles Chargers. However, the Cardinals have also been in the running, as the Tweet below indicates:
Obviously Sean Payton is a top dog. My understanding right now is Payton has a high affinity for the Chargers & Cowboys, w/t Cardinals being a consideration too, if jobs become available. When Denver calls, I expect him to listen, though he historically prefers strong link to GM.
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) December 26, 2022
However, with the Cowboys and Chargers cruising into the playoffs, it is not likely we will see them fire head coaches Mike McCarthy or Brandon Staley. That leaves the Cardinals, who would need to give up a ransom to land Payton. Over my own talks with fans, some wouldn’t mind giving up at least a first round pick (and more) for the Super Bowl winner while others aren’t as keen on the idea.
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Of course, this will only remain speculation until something happens. But if you are a fan of the Arizona Cardinals pulling for a coaching change, this is good news depending on how you feel about Payton.
(Odds listed above update regularly and are subject to change)
Article Sources:
Sean Payton next team odds: Arizona Cardinals favored to land ex-New Orleans Saints coach by Jeremy Cluff
Arizona Cardinals’ Kliff Kingsbury overwhelming favorite to be next NFL coach fired by Jeremy Cluff
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