Why each head coaching candidate is a good fit for the Arizona Cardinals

Dec 12, 2021; East Rutherford, N.J.,USA;New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton in the first half against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 12, 2021; East Rutherford, N.J.,USA;New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton in the first half against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports /
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Arizona Cardinals
Jan 8, 2023; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans walks off the field after defeating the Arizona Cardinals at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports /

DeMeco Ryans

Why would I not want Ryans to be the Arizona Cardinals next head coach? Because I was in high school when he was drafted, and I’m going to feel a bit of age creeping on if I see Ryans heading up a team. But there’s also a first time for everything, so why delay the inevitable, right?

Anyway, one reason to roll with Ryans is that he had some pretty big shoes to fill when Robert Saleh left for the New York Jets. And if you haven’t noticed, Saleh’s done a good job in changing that culture around. So much, that I’m convinced Gang Green is a quarterback away from being a playoff football team.

Looking at what Ryans did with the defense, it’s clear he was taking some notes. It’s safe to say he knows what it takes to not just lead an elite defense, but also to change the culture for a franchise in dire need of one.

Plus, Ryans started his coaching career in 2017 as a quality control coach and just six years later, is in the running for a head coaching position. That’s pretty impressive.