Cardinals Pivot After Saleh Hire - Could Sean McDermott Be in Play?
GLENDALE - With Robert Saleh officially off the board and headed to Tennessee, the Arizona Cardinals are back at the drawing board in their search for a new head coach. Saleh was one of the top targets in this cycle, and his departure opens the door for another prominent name to enter the conversation: former Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott.
McDermott, the 2022 NFL Coach of the Year, brings serious credentials to the table. He led Buffalo to seven straight 10-win seasons and turned the Bills into perennial contenders during his nine-year tenure.
In a league where sustained success is hard to come by, McDermott’s track record speaks volumes. He’s widely regarded as one of the most respected minds in football - a coach who builds culture, demands accountability, and wins.
That’s the kind of résumé that should have any franchise picking up the phone. Especially one like Arizona, which is still searching for stability and relevance in a crowded NFC West.
Is McDermott Even in Play for Arizona?
Here’s the catch: as of now, the Cardinals don’t even have an interview scheduled with McDermott. That’s a bit of a head-scratcher, considering the franchise’s stated desire to bring in a proven winner.
Team owner Michael Bidwill has made it clear - he wants someone who knows how to win. McDermott checks that box in bold ink.
Instead, the Cardinals have lined up an interview with Joe Brady, the Bills’ offensive coordinator. Brady is a rising star in coaching circles and has been at the helm of one of the league’s most explosive offenses over the past three seasons. Under his direction, Buffalo’s scoring attack has ranked sixth, second, and fourth in the NFL - impressive numbers, even with MVP-caliber quarterback Josh Allen under center.
Brady’s ascent has been fast. At just 36 years old, he fits the mold of the modern, offensive-minded head coach. But he’s never been a head coach at any level, and that lack of experience could be a sticking point for a franchise looking to reset its culture and identity.
McDermott vs. Brady: Experience or Upside?
This is the crossroads Arizona finds itself at - do they swing for upside with a young, innovative mind like Brady, or do they go with the proven track record and leadership of a veteran like McDermott?
From a purely results-based standpoint, McDermott’s résumé dwarfs Arizona’s recent history. He’s notched as many 10-win seasons in Buffalo as the Cardinals have managed in the last five decades combined. That’s not just a stat - it’s a statement on the kind of consistency and direction he could bring to a franchise that’s been searching for both.
General manager Monti Ossenfort and Bidwill have emphasized the importance of building a winning culture. If that’s truly the goal, then McDermott should be more than just a name on a list - he should be the top priority. Whether he’s even interested in the job is another matter, but not having him in the building for a conversation is a missed opportunity.
Where Do the Cardinals Go From Here?
With Saleh heading to the Titans and a second interview reportedly scheduled between Arizona and San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh before his hire, the Cardinals’ options are narrowing. The coaching carousel moves quickly in the NFL, and every day without a clear direction makes the hill a little steeper to climb.
There’s still time for Arizona to course-correct. Whether that means circling back to McDermott or locking in on a young mind like Brady, the decision will shape the franchise for years to come. The next head coach isn’t just about X’s and O’s - it’s about identity, leadership, and building something sustainable.
And after years of inconsistency, the Cardinals can’t afford to get this one wrong.