Arizona Cardinals Trim Head Coaching Search to Three Leading Candidates

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Cardinals Zero In On Three Head Coaching Candidates

Published January 25,2026

Arizona Narrows Coaching Search

The Arizona Cardinals are intensifying their search for a new Head Coach,having identified three leading candidates as of Saturday. The team is evaluating potential leaders to guide them through a period of transition and uncertainty.

Those in contention include Raheem Morris, previously the Head Coach of the Atlanta Falcons; Anthony Campanile, currently the Defensive Coordinator for the Jacksonville Jaguars; and Mike LaFleur, the Offensive Coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams. The Cardinals are looking for a coach who can establish a winning culture and navigate a developing Quarterback situation, with questions looming over Kyler Murray’s future.

NFL Coaching Carousel Continues

Arizona isn’t alone in its pursuit of a new sideline leader. Several other NFL franchises remain actively engaged in Head Coaching searches, including the Buffalo Bills, the Cleveland Browns, and the Las Vegas raiders. The Baltimore Ravens and the Pittsburgh steelers recently filled their vacancies, hiring jesse Minter and Mike McCarthy respectively, further compressing the pool of available candidates.

The highly competitive nature of the NFL coaching market ofen creates a domino effect, with Coordinator positions evolving as Head Coach roles are filled.

Past Searches and Current Challenges

The Cardinals’ search process mirrors patterns from recent years. The team was also among the last to finalize a Head Coach selection in both 2019, with the hiring of Bruce Arians, and 2023, when Jonathan Gannon took the helm.General Manager Monti Ossenfort publicly stated earlier this month that he didn’

Who are the three finalists for the Arizona Cardinals head coaching position?

Arizona Cardinals Trim Head Coaching Search too Three Leading Candidates

The arizona Cardinals are narrowing their focus in the hunt for their next head coach, a pivotal decision following the departure of Jonathan Gannon to the Seattle Seahawks.After a thorough vetting process involving numerous candidates, the institution has reportedly identified three frontrunners poised to lead the team into a new era. This article breaks down the profiles of these leading contenders, their coaching philosophies, and what they could bring to the desert.

The Final Three: A Deep Dive

The Cardinals’ search has been characterized by a desire for a coach who can cultivate a strong offensive identity while also fostering a resilient defensive unit. Here’s a closer look at the three men believed to be at the top of the list as of January 25, 2026:

1. Ben Johnson – Offensive Coordinator,Detroit Lions

Johnson has been the consistent favourite throughout much of the coaching carousel. His work with Jared Goff in Detroit has been transformative,turning the Lions into a legitimate Super bowl contender.

* Coaching Style: Known for his innovative play-calling and ability to tailor schemes to his quarterback’s strengths.He emphasizes a balanced attack, utilizing both the run and pass effectively.

* Potential Impact: Johnson’s arrival would immediately signal a commitment to offensive firepower, possibly unlocking the full potential of quarterback Kyler Murray.His experience working with a mobile quarterback like Goff could be particularly valuable.

* Challenges: his relative inexperience as a head coach is a potential concern. He’ll need to demonstrate leadership beyond offensive strategy.

2. Mike Macdonald – Defensive Coordinator, Baltimore Ravens

Macdonald, the youngest defensive coordinator in the NFL, has quickly established himself as a rising star. His Ravens defense consistently ranks among the league’s best, known for its aggressive pressure packages and complex schemes.

* Coaching Style: Macdonald is a defensive mastermind, specializing in creating pressure and disguising coverages. He’s adept at maximizing the talent on his roster.

* Potential Impact: Addressing the Cardinals’ defensive struggles would be Macdonald’s immediate priority. His ability to develop young players could be crucial in rebuilding the unit.

* Challenges: Transitioning from a defensive-focused role to overseeing an entire team requires a different skillset. He’ll need to demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of all facets of the game.

3. Ejiro Evero – defensive Coordinator, Carolina Panthers

Evero has garnered notable praise for his work with the Panthers’ defense, despite the team’s overall struggles. He’s known for his ability to create a competitive and disciplined unit, even with limited personnel.

* Coaching Style: Evero is a detail-oriented coach who emphasizes fundamentals and relentless effort. He’s a strong communicator and motivator.

* Potential Impact: Evero could bring a much-needed sense of stability and accountability to the Cardinals’ defense. His experience working with diverse defensive personnel is a plus.

* Challenges: his track record is still relatively short, and he’ll need to prove he can build a winning culture in Arizona.

The Cardinals’ Coaching History & Recent Trends

The Cardinals have a history of searching for the “right” head coach, with mixed results. The tenures of Kliff Kingsbury and Jonathan gannon, while showing flashes of promise, ultimately fell short of expectations. This search appears to be different, with the organization prioritizing experience and a clear coaching philosophy. the trend in the NFL leans towards offensive-minded coaches, but the cardinals seem open to considering a strong defensive leader if the fit is right. The departure of Gannon, a defensive coach, suggests a potential shift in priorities.

What This Means for Kyler Murray

The next head coach will have a significant impact on Kyler Murray’s future. A coach like Ben Johnson, with a proven track record of quarterback development, could be exactly what Murray needs to reach his full potential. However, even a defensive-minded coach like Macdonald or Evero would need to demonstrate a commitment to building an offense that complements murray’s strengths. The relationship between the quarterback and head coach will be paramount to the Cardinals’ success.

The Interview Process & Timeline

The Cardinals are expected to conduct second interviews with each of the three finalists in the coming days. These interviews will be more in-depth,focusing on specific aspects of their coaching philosophies,player development plans,and vision for the team. A decision is anticipated before the start of free agency, allowing the new head coach ample time to assemble his coaching staff and begin preparing for the 2026 season. The team is also reportedly considering input from key players, including Murray, in the final decision-making process.

Beyond the X’s and O’s: Leadership & Culture

While coaching schemes and play-calling are important,the Cardinals are also looking for a leader who can establish a positive and winning culture. The organization wants a coach who can connect with players, build trust, and hold everyone accountable. This emphasis on leadership and culture reflects a broader trend in the NFL, where teams are increasingly recognizing the importance of creating a cohesive and supportive environment.