The Arizona Cardinals are deep into their head coaching search, and the shortlist is starting to take shape. According to multiple reports, Raheem Morris, Anthony Campanile, and Mike LaFleur are currently among the top candidates being considered for the job.
Let’s break down where things stand and what each name brings to the table as the Cardinals look to reset the tone for their future.
The Finalists: Who’s in the Mix?
Three names have emerged as scheduled finalists for interviews: Jaguars defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile, Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver, and former Falcons head coach Raheem Morris. Rams offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur has also been requested for an interview, signaling strong interest from Arizona.
Campanile is a rising star in coaching circles. Known for his energy and ability to connect with players, he’s been instrumental in Jacksonville’s defensive development. While he hasn’t held a head coaching job yet, his leadership qualities and schematic versatility have caught the attention of several teams this offseason.
Weaver, another defensive-minded candidate, has been a key figure in Miami’s aggressive, fast-flowing defense. His experience as both a player and coach gives him a unique perspective-something that could appeal to a Cardinals team looking for a strong locker room presence and culture builder.
Then there’s Raheem Morris, the most experienced of the group. Morris has been through the head coaching grind twice now, most recently with the Falcons. His journey through the coaching ranks has been anything but linear, and that resilience could be exactly what Arizona is looking for in a locker room leader.
Raheem Morris: The Veteran Option
Morris, 49, has been around the NFL block. He started his coaching career at Hofstra back in 1998 and made his NFL debut with the Buccaneers as a defensive quality control coach. A little over a decade later, he was Tampa Bay’s head coach.
That first stint ended after three seasons, but Morris didn’t fade away. He spent time in Washington before landing in Atlanta in 2015 as assistant head coach and defensive backs coach. When the Falcons cleaned house in 2020, Morris pivoted again-this time landing with the Rams as their defensive coordinator, where he helped guide one of the league’s most dynamic defenses.
In 2024, the Falcons brought Morris back-this time as their head coach. But after two seasons and a 16-18 record, he was let go following the 2025 campaign. Now, he’s back on the market, and Arizona is giving him a serious look.
What Morris brings is experience-real, hard-earned experience. He’s coached on both sides of the ball, led teams through adversity, and worked under some of the league’s top minds. That kind of résumé doesn’t guarantee success, but it does offer stability, something the Cardinals have lacked in recent years.
Other Names on the Radar
The Cardinals aren’t limiting themselves to just the finalists. They’ve cast a wide net, interviewing and requesting interviews with a number of intriguing candidates.
Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady has already interviewed. He’s known for his offensive creativity and quarterback development-traits that could be attractive if Arizona wants to build around their young signal-caller.
Chiefs OC Matt Nagy, former Bears head coach, has also been interviewed. While his tenure in Chicago had its ups and downs, his work with Patrick Mahomes in Kansas City has kept him in the conversation for another shot at a top job.
Other names include Patriots passing game coordinator Thomas Brown, Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula, Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, Texans DC Matt Burke, and Broncos DC Vance Joseph-who, notably, has prior head coaching experience with the Broncos and a history with the Cardinals as their former DC.
Meanwhile, Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak has withdrawn from consideration.
What’s Next?
Arizona is clearly being thorough in its search, balancing experienced names like Morris and Nagy with rising coordinators like Campanile and Weaver. It’s a sign the organization is open to both proven leadership and fresh ideas.
With interviews scheduled and requests still going out, the Cardinals are inching closer to making a decision that could define their next era. Whether they go with a seasoned vet like Morris or a first-time head coach like Campanile or LaFleur, the goal is the same: find someone who can lead, develop, and win.
We’ll keep a close eye on how this unfolds. The Cardinals’ next move could say a lot about the direction they want to take-not just in 2026, but for years to come.