Is the Arizona Cardinals head coaching search a two-man race?
By Sion Fawkes
The Arizona Cardinals head coaching search may now just be down to just two primary candidates in Sean Payton and Brian Flores.
If you polled any Arizona Cardinals fan on who they’d like to see become the franchise’s next head coach, most will point to Sean Payton. Problem is, the Redbirds will need to give up some serious compensation that will likely involve a first round pick.
Yesterday, I wrote that there’s no way the Cardinals should go after Payton if that compensation involves the third overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. With the number of holes on the roster, they can’t afford to give up any draft capital this season.
But if they can convince the New Orleans Saints to take 2024 compensation instead, they may have a deal. What about a first and second round pick in 2024, plus DeAndre Hopkins? If the Saints bite, then they can sign someone in free agency like Derek Carr, who could have Hopkins, a healthy Michael Thomas, and Chris Olave to throw to.
Arizona Cardinals head coaching gig may be down to two candidates
Reports everywhere are indicating that Payton is one of two finalists for the head coaching job, with the other being none other than Brian Flores. Of course, Flores wouldn’t cost the Cardinals anything except for a salary if they hired him.
Flores is also familiar with general manager Monti Ossenfort, and his exceptional leadership skills would be great for a team looking to get younger on both sides of the ball. Flores is also a defensive-minded coach who could thrive with the youngsters the Cardinals already have on defense.
light. Must Read. Cardinals weren’t as high on in-house candidates for GM
Overall, many in NFL outlets are predicting the job will go either to Payton or Flores, with the latter holding the edge since the Redbirds won’t be forced to give anything up. But they also aren’t ruling out Payton, who reportedly interviewed well with Ossenfort. Fortunately, we won’t need to wait long before the Arizona Cardinals announce their latest head coach.
Article Source: Sean Payton’s, Brian Flores’ odds to be new Cardinals HC shorten by Jess Root
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