The Arizona Cardinals are at a crucial crossroads in their search for a new head coach. Weeks after moving on from Jonathan Gannon, the list has tightened, and the direction is becoming clearer. According to league insiders, Arizona is no longer casting a wide net; it’s zeroing in.
With fans growing impatient and other teams quickly filling their coaching vacancies, the Cardinals’ next move could not only shape the 2026 season but also define the franchise’s identity for years to come.
Cardinals Narrow Final HC Options to Three Names As Raheem Morris Emerges As Serious Option
ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter revealed on The Pat McAfee Show that Arizona is focused on three names as the search enters its most serious phase.
“They had in Anthony Campanile, the Jaguars defensive coordinator, yesterday,” Schefter said. “I still think they’re looking at Raheem Morris and Mike LaFleur, the Rams offensive coordinator who’s involved this weekend.”
That update was reinforced by ESPN senior reporter Jeremy Fowler, who added on X that Campanile is “firmly in the mix” following his in-person interview.
Among the trio, Raheem Morris stands out as the only candidate with prior head-coaching experience. Morris is searching for his next opportunity after back-to-back 8–9 seasons with the Atlanta Falcons. His overall head-coaching record is 37-56, including an interim stint in Atlanta in 2020.
While the win-loss numbers are modest, Morris’ reputation around the league remains strong. He played a key role as defensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams from 2021–23, helping guide a Super Bowl-winning defense and gaining valuable familiarity with the NFC West along the way.
On the other hand, Campanile brings a different profile to the table. As the Jacksonville Jaguars’ defensive coordinator, he just wrapped up his first season calling plays, and it was a remarkable one. Jacksonville allowed the fewest rushing yards in the NFL (just 85.2 per game) and ranked eighth in scoring defense, giving up an average of 19.8 points per game.
Before his time in Jacksonville, Campanile held assistant coaching positions with Green Bay and Miami, steadily building an impressive resume.
Then there’s Mike LaFleur, the mastermind behind the offense. The Rams’ offensive coordinator is gearing up for a conference championship this weekend after steering the league’s top offense in 2025. Los Angeles topped the charts in total yards, passing yards, and points per game, making LaFleur a tempting choice for a Cardinals team on the hunt for offensive consistency.
The presence of Morris alongside two rising coordinators suggests Arizona is weighing stability against upside. Morris offers leadership, experience, and a tested locker-room presence. Campanile and LaFleur bring momentum and schematic clarity.
For a franchise that has interviewed more than a dozen candidates, this narrowed focus feels intentional. The decision now comes down to philosophy. Do they trust experience to reset the culture? Or do they bet on a coordinator ready to leap?
Either way, Arizona’s next head coach appears closer than ever.
