Cardinals Eye Klint Kubiak as Head Coach Candidate, But Raiders Loom Large
GLENDALE - The Arizona Cardinals are still searching for their next head coach, and they’re taking a bold swing by interviewing Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak. It’s a move that raises eyebrows, especially with Kubiak heavily linked to the Las Vegas Raiders’ vacancy. Still, the Cardinals are pushing forward, hoping to land one of the most intriguing offensive minds available.
Arizona had Los Angeles Rams OC Mike LaFleur in the building for a two-day interview earlier this week, and for a moment, it felt like the deal was all but done. The meeting marked LaFleur’s second with the team - typically the final step before a hire is made. But LaFleur left without a contract, and now Kubiak is next in line for a sit-down with the front office.
That pivot is telling. Whether it signals internal hesitation about LaFleur or simply a desire to explore all options, it’s clear general manager Monti Ossenfort and owner Michael Bidwill aren’t rushing into a decision.
Meanwhile, league insiders believe Kubiak is on the verge of landing a head coaching job - somewhere. ESPN’s Adam Schefter, appearing on The Pat McAfee Show, didn’t mince words.
“He’s definitely getting one of those jobs,” Schefter said, referring to the Raiders and Cardinals openings.
While Schefter didn’t rule out Arizona, the widespread assumption is that Kubiak is leaning toward Las Vegas. That makes his decision to accept an interview with the Cardinals all the more interesting. In a hiring cycle where some candidates reportedly passed on in-person meetings with Arizona, Kubiak’s willingness to engage suggests at least a level of openness - or leverage.
The Cardinals’ situation remains fluid, and the next 24 to 48 hours could be telling. If Arizona quickly circles back to LaFleur after the Kubiak interview, it might confirm what many suspect - that Kubiak is Raiders-bound and Arizona is hedging its bets. But if the Cardinals delay or push harder for Kubiak, it could signal a real shot at landing him.
What’s clear is this: Arizona is still without a head coach, and the clock is ticking as the offseason ramps up. The organization needs stability and direction, especially with looming decisions on the roster, including the future of quarterback Kyler Murray.
For now, all eyes turn to the Kubiak meeting. It’s a high-stakes weekend in the desert, and the Cardinals are hoping their next head coach is walking through the door. Whether he stays is the million-dollar question.