Former Miami Dolphins head coach Brian Flores. Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports

Cardinals trim head coaching search to three candidates

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated 2/5/23

The Arizona Cardinals have reportedly trimmed its head coaching search to three candidates.

According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, the Cardinals' job is down to Pittsburgh Steelers assistant Brian Flores, New York Giants offensive coordinator Mike Kafka, and Cincinnati Bengals defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo.

The Arizona Cardinals have informed several head coaching candidates that they are out of the running, per sources.

Steelers assistant coach Brian Flores, Giants offensive coordinator Mike Kafka and Bengals defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo are three known finalists.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) February 6, 2023

Per Fowler, the Cardinals informed several coaches they were out of the running, including Detroit Lions DC Aaron Glenn and Bengals OC Brian Callahan.

Cardinals DC Vance Joseph was among those told they were no longer under consideration for the job in Arizona. However, as Fowler mentioned, Joseph is still under contract, and the team has yet to allow him to pursue other opportunities.

Flores, expected to have his second interview with the Cardinals Wednesday, is also up for DC jobs with the Denver Broncos and Minnesota Vikings, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

Meanwhile, according to Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer, Kafka will meet with the Cardinals again on Tuesday, while Anarumo will have his second interview with the team on Friday.

The Cardinals don't sound close to naming a head coach, but whoever they choose will likely begin their tenure at a decided disadvantage. After tearing his ACL in December, quarterback Kyler Murray could reportedly miss the first half of the 2023 NFL season.

Arizona finished a dreadful 4-13, firing head coach Kliff Kingsbury at the end of the year. Kingsbury led the Cardinals to the playoffs only once in four seasons, finishing 26-33-1.

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