We are now two days into the Cardinals' coaching search after the team fired Jonathan Gannon on Monday morning, and there are endless paths that general manager Monti Ossenfort can follow.
For starters, this hiring cycle will likely determine whether Ossenfort keeps his job in the future. Along with that, it will also be up to him to determine what direction they want to go regarding the quarterback. And of course, you need to figure out what type of coach you hire before you select a quarterback (offensive/defensive minded).
There are so many options on the table, including guys such as Kevin Stefanski or John Harbaugh already receiving interviews from other teams, despite just being fired.
With many front offices looking at former head coaches, others are in search of coordinators who have solidified themselves as worthy candidates. The Cardinals could knock out two birds with one stone by turning to a candidate they interviewed back in 2018, one who has experience as a coordinator and as a head coach.
Arizona should look at Brian Flores as a potential head coach candidate
MORE: The Trey McBride gamble was well worth it in 2025
MORE: Cardinals Coaching Search: Why a two-time coach of the year should be their top target
When former Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians retired following the 2018 season, the team was in search of its next leader of men. Arizona interviewed former New England Patriots’ linebackers coach Brian Flores as a potential candidate but ultimately settled for Steve Wilks, who only lasted one season.
Flores ended up taking a head coaching job with the Miami Dolphins ahead of the 2019 season. Here, he coached three full seasons before being fired after coaching Tua Tagovailoa for two seasons.
Since then, Flores served as the Pittsburgh Steelers’ linebackers coach for the 2022 season before becoming the Minnesota Vikings’ defensive coordinator in 2023, where he is currently.
When healthy, Minnesota presented one of the better defensive units in 2025, and it is all thanks to Brian Flores. You can only imagine what heights he could take Arizona’s defense to in 2026, with veterans such as Budda Baker and Josh Sweat, coupled with younger guys such as Walter Nolen III, Will Johnson, and Cody Simon.
The Cardinals may want to at least consider Flores for the job, especially with the young talent they have fielded over the past few drafts.