Robert Saleh Heads to Tennessee, Not Arizona - So What’s Next for the Cardinals?
The Arizona Cardinals were hoping this time would be different. That maybe, just maybe, they’d finally land their top target in a high-stakes coaching search. Instead, they watched Robert Saleh board a plane to Tennessee - not Phoenix - and become the next head coach of the Titans.
It’s a tough blow, no doubt. But is it a death sentence for Arizona’s coaching search?
Not necessarily. Let’s dig into what happened, what it means, and where the Cardinals go from here.
Saleh Slips Away
On Monday night, the Cardinals and their fans were holding out hope. Robert Saleh had completed his interview with the Titans, and there was optimism he’d be heading to Arizona next. A Titans social media post listing completed interviews - including Saleh and Matt Nagy - seemed to confirm that.
But just a couple of hours later, the news dropped: Saleh was staying in Nashville. He’d accepted the Titans job, canceling his scheduled Tuesday interview with the Cardinals. A gut punch for a fanbase that’s seen this movie before.
This wasn’t exactly out of left field. The timing of Saleh’s second interview with Arizona, coming right after his accelerated meeting with Tennessee, raised eyebrows. The writing may have been on the wall, but it still stings.
The Bigger Picture in Arizona
Here’s the reality: the Cardinals have now become the team that gets used for leverage. That’s not a good place to be. When a franchise like Tennessee - which just pushed out Mike Vrabel and doesn’t exactly have a sterling ownership reputation - is a more attractive destination than Arizona, it raises red flags.
Let’s be honest. The Cardinals’ job isn’t exactly a dream gig right now.
The NFC West is a gauntlet. The quarterback situation is murky, with no clear-cut answer in the draft.
And the franchise’s history? Let’s just say it’s not dripping with success.
But someone’s got to take the job. And there are still quality names in the mix.
Where Do the Cardinals Go From Here?
With Saleh off the board, Arizona’s coaching search continues - and the clock is ticking. The team added Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady to their interview list, bringing the total number of known candidates to 14.
There’s still some intrigue around a few names. Rams assistants Mike LaFleur and Chris Shula could be in play once Los Angeles wraps up its playoff run. Sean McDermott hasn’t shown serious interest in a rebuild, but the door isn’t completely closed there either.
What the Cardinals can’t afford to do is settle. This hire needs to be someone who brings energy, vision, and credibility - not a recycled head coach with a forgettable resume or a coordinator so under-the-radar fans are scrambling to look him up.
Arizona has time, but it’s running short. The pool of available candidates is shrinking by the day, and the longer this drags out, the harder it becomes to sell the job as a desirable opportunity.
Around the Valley: Quick Hits
Suns Survive Philly, Green Returns
The Suns pulled out a gritty 116-110 win over the 76ers last night.
Devin Booker led the way with 27 points, but it was a full-team effort - six players finished in double figures. All eyes were on Jalen Green, who returned to the floor with 12 points in limited action.
A promising sign for Phoenix as they continue to build momentum.
Wildcats Stay Perfect… For Now
No.
1 Arizona men’s basketball is back in action tonight, taking on Cincinnati at McKale Center. The Wildcats are 18-0, but their last two wins came by just seven points each.
Cincinnati may be 10-8, but they’re no pushover. This one could be closer than the records suggest.
On the women’s side, Arizona fell 80-69 to Kansas, dropping to 10-7. It’s been a tough stretch for Becky Burke’s squad, who are still searching for consistency.
Sun Devils Looking to Bounce Back
Arizona State’s men’s team is trying to snap a four-game skid after a rough outing against No.
7 Houston. They’ll host West Virginia tonight in Tempe - a more manageable matchup, but the Mountaineers are still a solid 12-6.
The ASU women tip off earlier against the same opponent. West Virginia enters ranked No. 22 with a 15-4 record, posing another big test for the Sun Devils.
The Cardinals may have missed out on Robert Saleh, but the search is far from over. With the right hire, this could still turn into a pivotal moment for a franchise desperate to get back on track. The question now is: who’s willing to take on the challenge?