Cardinals Eye Robert Saleh for Head Coaching Interview
The Arizona Cardinals are once again in the familiar position of searching for a new head coach, following the firing of Jonathan Gannon on Monday. With their fifth head coach since 2017 and second under current general manager Monti Ossenfort, the Cardinals are in full-fledged search mode.
The search begins this week with a reported interview with former defensive coordinator Vance Joseph. However, this won't be the only name linked to the Cardinals' head coaching vacancy.
Here's a closer look at the candidates so far:
Thomas Brown: New England Patriots passing game coordinator
- The Cardinals have requested an interview with Brown, according to NFL Network's Cameron Wolfe. He has been instrumental in the development of second-year quarterback Drake Maye, as the Patriots prepare for the playoffs.
- Brown has interim head coaching experience, having taken on the role with the Chicago Bears in 2024 after Matt Eberflus' firing. He has also worked as the passing game coordinator and offensive coordinator.
- He was under Rams head coach Sean McVay from 2020-2022 as a tight ends and running backs coach.
Klint Kubiak: Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator
- The Cardinals have requested an interview with Kubiak, according to Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer. He is currently preparing for the postseason after the Seahawks earned a first-round bye.
- In his first season with the Seahawks, Seattle posted a top 10 offense and was third in points scored.
- The New York Giants, Las Vegas Raiders, and Atlanta Falcons have also requested an interview with Kubiak.
Robert Saleh: San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator
- Arizona has requested an interview with Saleh, per Breer. He returned to the NFC West as San Francisco's defensive coordinator this past season after serving as an offensive consultant for the Green Bay Packers.
- The 49ers had the 20th-best defense in the league, despite season-ending injuries to key players like Nick Bosa and Fred Warner.
- Saleh has head coaching experience, having coached the New York Jets from 2021-2024 before his midseason firing. He finished with a 20-36 mark as head coach.
Anthony Weaver: Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator
- Arizona has requested an interview with Weaver, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. He served as the Dolphins' defensive coordinator for the past two seasons after three years with the Baltimore Ravens.
- Weaver saw instant success in Miami, behind the fourth-best defense in the league, while allowing the 10th-fewest points.
- However, the impressive play did not continue into the next season, with the Dolphins finishing 22nd in total yards and 24th in scoring.
Vance Joseph: Denver Broncos defensive coordinator
- Arizona's search began with the reported interview of Joseph this week, per ESPN's Adam Schefter. He has helped form a stingy defense for the No. 1 seed in the AFC this postseason.
- Joseph has connections to the Cardinals, having served as defensive coordinator from 2019-2022 under former head coach Kliff Kingsbury and interviewing for Arizona's head coaching vacancy in 2023.
- He has been far more successful with the Broncos after lasting two years as Denver's head coach from 2017-2018 and posting an 11-21 record.
