– 🔥 Coaching shakeup: The Buffalo Bills fired head coach Sean McDermott after a Divisional Round loss to the Denver Broncos, despite seven straight seasons with 10+ wins, five AFC East titles, and playoff appearances from 2019-25.
– 💡 Potential Cardinals fit: NFL analyst Conor Orr suggests the timing could create chaos for other teams and that McDermott could be a stabilizing, high-end option for Arizona, similar to how he helped the Bills become contenders.
– 🧭 Arizona’s quarterback hurdle: The Cardinals face a shaky QB outlook, with Kyler Murray seemingly on the way out and a weak quarterback draft ahead. Arizona also underperformed on defense in 2025 (3-14 record).
– 📝 Other candidates in the mix: Arizona initially named 13 potential candidates (Thomas Brown, Matt Burke, Jeff Hafley, Vance Joseph, Klint Kubiak, Mike LaFleur, Jesse Minter, Raheem Morris, Matt Nagy, Robert Saleh, Chris Shula, Arthur Smith, Anthony Weaver). Most are still in the playoffs and cannot interview yet; interviews will wait for coordinators on other teams (Rams, Seahawks, Broncos, Patriots).
– 🧠 Favorability and who’s favored: BetOnline and Cardinals insider Kyle Odegard peg Vance Joseph as the odds-on favorite to be the next Arizona head coach, given his familiarity with the roster (Cardinals DC 2019-22). McDermott is seen as the more seasoned candidate, but the key question is whether he wants the job.
– 🔚 Bottom line: McDermott has the strongest resume among the candidates, but success with the Cardinals would depend on mutual interest and whether the franchise can provide the right quarterback and supporting staff. 🟣🏈
