As the NFL regular season winds down, the coaching carousel is already spinning - and it’s only going to pick up speed. We’ve already seen the Tennessee Titans and New York Giants part ways with their head coaches, and come Black Monday - the day after the final regular season game - several more names are expected to join them. League insiders are projecting anywhere from four to six additional head coaches could be shown the door.
So naturally, the next question becomes: which jobs are the most attractive for the next wave of head coaching candidates?
ESPN’s Bill Barnwell recently ranked the most desirable potential openings - assuming certain teams do, in fact, make changes - and yes, the Arizona Cardinals made the list. In fact, they landed surprisingly high.
The Cardinals: A 3-11 Team With Quiet Upside
Arizona currently sits at 3-11, buried at the bottom of the NFC West while the rest of the division eyes the postseason. It’s been a frustrating year in the desert, especially considering this was supposed to be a turning point in the franchise’s rebuild. Instead, the team has regressed, and that’s put head coach Jonathan Gannon squarely on the hot seat.
Gannon, a respected defensive mind, has struggled to get this team over the hump - particularly in close games. Arizona is just 2-7 in one-score contests, and several of those losses came after the Cardinals held late leads.
That’s the kind of stat that raises eyebrows in front offices. It suggests a team that’s competitive but can’t close - and in the NFL, that often points back to coaching.
One example sticks out: a recent game against Seattle where the Cardinals clawed back from a 14-point deficit to tie it, only to give up the game-winning score with less than 30 seconds left. That’s the kind of collapse that can define a season - and a coaching tenure.
A Defense That’s Gone Backwards
What’s made this stretch even more frustrating is that Gannon was hired for his defensive pedigree. But the Cardinals have been anything but stout on that side of the ball.
Over the team’s current six-game losing streak, Arizona ranks dead last in the NFL in points allowed per possession (2.9). That’s a brutal number, and it’s happening in a season where the defense was expected to take a step forward.
If defense is your calling card and your unit is consistently giving games away late, it becomes tough to make the case for a fourth year at the helm.
So Why Is Arizona Still a Top Coaching Destination?
Despite the record and the late-game meltdowns, Barnwell ranks the Cardinals as the second-most desirable potential opening - behind only the Cincinnati Bengals. That might surprise some, but there’s logic behind it.
For starters, Barnwell points to the underlying competitiveness of the team. Yes, they’re 3-11, but this isn’t a roster getting blown out every week.
They’ve been in games. They’ve had leads.
They’ve just failed to finish. That’s a different problem than simply being outmatched - and one that’s often fixable with the right leadership and a few key additions.
Then there’s the roster itself. According to Barnwell, there’s plenty to like:
- Defensive promise: Josh Sweat has been a standout, and young defenders like Walter Nolen, Will Johnson, and Garrett Williams have all flashed high ceilings. This isn’t a unit devoid of talent - it just needs development and direction.
- Offensive pieces: Trey McBride has emerged as a legitimate weapon at tight end. And while top picks Marvin Harrison Jr. and Paris Johnson Jr. haven’t quite hit star status yet, both are tracking toward being solid starters at premium positions.
- Front office vision: GM Monti Ossenfort has quietly done a solid job building draft capital and reshaping the roster. Arizona is projected to have the sixth-most draft capital heading into 2026, along with the 17th-most cap space - enough flexibility to make real moves.
There are holes, of course. The offensive line needs reinforcements, especially on the interior.
Linebacker remains a concern. But this is a team with young talent, a front office that’s shown a plan, and a fanbase hungry for a turnaround.
The Kyler Murray Question
The biggest unknown in Arizona is under center. Kyler Murray’s future remains murky.
Do the Cardinals stick with him and try to build around his skill set? Or do they explore trade options and hit the reset button at quarterback?
There’s also the possibility of a training camp battle next summer, with veteran Jacoby Brissett in the mix. That kind of competition could push both players - and give a new coach flexibility. Or Arizona could use its high draft pick to bring in a rookie and start fresh.
It’s not a bad problem to have. In fact, it’s the kind of situation that could appeal to a coach who wants input on the most important position in the sport.
The NFC West Gauntlet
One factor that might give some coaches pause: the division. The NFC West is a beast.
The 49ers, Rams, and Seahawks are all playoff-bound and led by coaches with strong resumes. Even going .500 in the division is a tall order.
Barnwell notes that if you’re a coach with options, you might prefer a softer landing spot - say, the NFC South - over a division where 10 wins might not even guarantee you second place.
But there’s a counterpoint here too. Look at the Chicago Bears.
For years they were stuck behind Aaron Rodgers and the Packers, the rising Lions, and a tough Vikings squad. Now?
They’re on top of the NFC North. In today’s NFL, things flip fast.
The league is built for parity, and with the right coach and a few savvy moves, a team like Arizona can go from bottom-feeder to division leader in a single offseason.
Final Thoughts
The Cardinals have decisions to make. Jonathan Gannon’s future is uncertain, and the quarterback situation is far from settled. But if you’re a head coaching candidate looking for a challenge - and a chance to build something - Arizona might be the spot.
There’s young talent on both sides of the ball. There’s cap space and draft capital.
There’s a front office that seems to have a plan. And most importantly, there’s a team that’s been closer to winning than the record suggests.
If Gannon is out, this job won’t stay open long.
Barnwell’s Full Ranking of Potential Coaching Openings:
- Cincinnati Bengals
- Arizona Cardinals
- Cleveland Browns
- Tennessee Titans
- New York Giants
- Atlanta Falcons
- Miami Dolphins
- Las Vegas Raiders
Let the coaching sweepstakes begin.