NEWSLETTER
With the Panthers, Broncos, and Texans head coaching searches wrapped up, the Cardinals and Colts are the last two teams looking for a new head coach. However, now it seems that Arizona’s coaching search may be dragging on over concerns about the situation that the next head coach will inherit. Specifically, quarterback Kyler Murray.
On Wednesday, Pro Football Network’s Tony Pauline reported that Murray’s contract/being tied to the quarterback might be giving potential candidates pause.
“Many of the desired candidates don’t want to take the job knowing they’ll be tied to the hip of Murray for the next four seasons. Murray signed a five-year, $230 million contract in late August, and anyone who takes the Cardinals job will have no options in the foreseeable future at quarterback.”
Murray signed his five-year deal worth $230 million before the 2022 season. The 25-year-old quarterback is recovering from a torn ACL.
Murray suffered the injury on December 13 and may not be ready to play until midway through 2023. Ian Rapoport reported that Murray won’t be ready for the start of the 2023 season and maybe even longer:
“My understanding is he is going to take his time and make sure this thing is 100 percent right,” Rapoport reported. “He is young. He’s got a long career. He’s not going to rush, so do not be surprised if we don’t see him to start the season or maybe even by the midway point. This injury has to heal perfectly.”
The Cardinals finished the season with Colt McCoy, Trace McSorley, and David Blough under center with Murray sidelined.
Cardinals lack of interest is a troubling indictment of Kyler Murray
A new head coach would have to consider 2023 a lost season, with Murray’s health a serious question. Then there are the long-term concerns over how the mobile quarterback bounced back from the surgery.
The Cardinals’ coaching search has been relatively narrow. Of the remaining candidates, Ejiro Evero, Vance Joseph, Lou Anarumo, and Brian Callahan have been interviewed.
All but Joseph are first-time head coaching candidates. Evero has been linked to everyone but hasn’t landed a job this cycle. He could stay in Denver under Sean Payton for another season. There are also other DC jobs open.
As for Anarumo and Callahan, they’re in great spots in Cincinnati. Staying with the Bengals for another season could lead to a more desirable job next year. The troubling detail in this revolves around Vance Joseph.
Second chances for head coaches in the NFL aren’t all that common. Especially for a minority candidate. Joseph being an in-house candidate, having a good feel for the situation, and not wanting it is very alarming.
It’s a situation worth monitoring and an unfortunate indictment on Kyler Murray.
