It is safe to say that the Arizona Cardinals want to conduct their search for a new head coach with due diligence. There are numerous approaches the team can take, with many solid coordinators seeking their first opportunity, alongside a few who have had previous experience as a head coach. But if one thing is guaranteed, it is that general manager Monti Ossenfort needs to get this hire correct.
We’ve made the case for the Cardinals to at least check in on John Harbaugh, who was fired by the Ravens after 18 seasons. A proven winner, Harbaugh knows how to get a team to the playoffs and has a Super Bowl to his name.
Mike McDaniel, who was fired by the Dolphins, is another option that we’ve claimed would be beneficial for the team. A young offensive-minded coach paired with a young quarterback could go a long way for this team.
When it comes to coordinators, it can be a slippery slope when it comes to conducting interviews. Especially when they come from a team competing in the postseason. The Cardinals are going to have to wait to interview a pair of coordinators from their division rival.
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Cardinals reached out to interview both of the L.A. Rams coordinators
Darren Urban, a source close to the Cardinals, reported that the team had reached out to Los Angeles Rams offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur and defensive coordinator Chris Shula about possible interviews regarding their head coaching vacancy.
While both great candidates, getting them in for interviews is complicated, considering the Rams won their Wild Card game against the Carolina Panthers 34–31, sending them off to the Divisional Round, where they will face off against the Chicago Bears on the road.
The Cardinals will need to wait until the conclusion of the Rams' season before being granted permission to interview either of the two.
Lafleur was the mastermind behind a Rams offense that contained Matthew Stafford, Puka Nacua, and Davante Adams. This trio alone was a huge reason why L.A. was able to have the league’s No. 1 scoring offense.
Shula led a middle-of-the-pack unit on defense that ranked No. 17 in scoring, but they did give up a ton of yards per game. We saw that on Saturday, where, despite the win, Carolina quarterback Bryce Young was able to put up 31 total points.
These are two strong candidates for the job, and we think it all depends on how far the Rams make it in the playoffs for Arizona to decide on bringing them both in for interviews.