The Arizona Cardinals are at a crossroads, and the football world is buzzing with speculation. Who will be their next head coach? With one of the last remaining head coaching vacancies in the NFL, the Cardinals are zeroing in on a trio of standout candidates: Raheem Morris, Anthony Campanile, and Mike LaFleur. But here's where it gets controversial—each of these candidates brings a unique set of strengths and question marks to the table, leaving fans and analysts divided on who’s the best fit. Let’s dive into the details and explore why this decision is far from straightforward.
According to Dianna Russini of The Athletic, these three names are currently at the top of Arizona’s list. All have already interviewed with the team, and Campanile even had a second meeting on Thursday—a sign that the Cardinals are seriously considering him. But this is the part most people miss: while Campanile has been a hot name in this year’s coaching cycle, 2025 was his first season as an NFL defensive coordinator. Jumping straight into a head coaching role would be a massive leap, though his interviews with the Ravens and Dolphins show he’s on the radar.
Mike LaFleur, on the other hand, has a more established track record as an offensive coordinator, having worked with the Jets and Rams. At 38, he’s been steadily building his resume, though he hasn’t called plays under Sean McVay in Los Angeles. Interestingly, LaFleur’s follow-up interview was delayed due to the Rams’ playoff run, but SNY’s Connor Hughes reports he’s the current frontrunner. Could this be his moment to shine, or is the hype premature?
Then there’s Raheem Morris, the only candidate with prior head coaching experience. He led the Buccaneers from 2009 to 2011 and had two stints with the Falcons, though his teams only posted a winning record once. At 49, Morris is respected as a defensive mastermind, but his .398 winning percentage raises eyebrows. If he doesn’t land the Cardinals job, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler suggests he could be in line for another defensive coordinator role. Is his experience an asset or a liability?
Here’s where it gets even more intriguing: while LaFleur is reportedly the frontrunner, the Cardinals are keeping their options wide open. They’ve interviewed or requested interviews with over a dozen candidates, including Joe Brady, Thomas Brown, and Vance Joseph. Each brings something different to the table, from offensive innovation to defensive prowess. But which approach will Arizona prioritize?
What do you think? Is LaFleur the right choice, or should the Cardinals go with someone like Morris, who has head coaching experience? Or maybe Campanile’s fresh perspective is what they need. Let us know in the comments—this debate is far from over!
