– Raheem Morris — The veteran coach, 49, sits as perhaps the most surprising finalist. He’s been a head coach before (Buccaneers 2009–2011: 17-31; Falcons 2024–2025: 16-18) and is renowned for his leadership and player respect. A third chance at the helm would be a rare path, but Morris’s locker-room presence keeps him in the MVP conversation for this job.
– Anthony Campanile — A rising star in the coaching ranks who made waves as a linebackers coach and then defensive coordinator for the Jaguars in 2025. Under Campanile, Jacksonville flipped a struggling defense into a much more confident unit: improved from 30th in yards per play allowed (5.9) and 32nd in turnover rate (4.4%) to 11th in yards per play allowed (5.0), 5th in points per drive (1.75), 3rd in scoring rate (31.2%), and 2nd in turnover rate (15.6%). A coach known for turning defenders loose and dialing up impact plays. 📊
– Mike LaFleur — The younger brother of Packers coach Matt LaFleur, LaFleur has been the Rams’ offensive coordinator since 2023 after time with the Jets (2021–2022) and the 49ers. His Jets tenure included an offense that ranked 30th in EPA per play (-0.079) and 31st in success rate (40.6%) with Zach Wilson at quarterback, a reminder of the challenges and the potential upside of his scheme when paired with the right personnel. ⚡
Big takeaway: the Cardinals’ head-coaching search is narrowing with three distinct paths—tested leadership, a defensive turnaround specialist, and an up-and-coming offensive mind—as the team eyes next steps for the future. 🏈📊
Next chapter could come soon, and the direction chosen will likely shape Arizona’s trajectory for years to come. 🔥
