NFL Rumors: Bengals' Lou Anarumo, Giants' Mike Kafka Get 2nd Cardinals HC Interviews

The Arizona Cardinals are interviewing Cincinnati Bengals defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo and New York Giants offensive coordinator Mike Kafka a second time apiece for their open head coaching position, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network:

Anarumo has served as the Bengals' defensive coordinator for four seasons, all under head coach Zac Taylor. Cincinnati has increasingly fared better defensively during his tenure, going from No. 25 in points allowed in 2019 to No. 6 in 2022.

The defense particularly stood out in a tremendous 27-10 road win over the favored Buffalo Bills in the AFC Divisional Round, when the Bengals shut down the No. 2 scoring offense in football on the road.

Kafka just completed his first year as the Giants' offensive coordinator. New York finished 15th in scoring in 2022 after posting the second-fewest total points in the league over the past two years (2020-2021).

Fourth-year quarterback Daniel Jones (22 total touchdowns, just eight turnovers) enjoyed his best season under Kafka, and running back Saquon Barkley (1,650 yards, 10 touchdowns) authored a fantastic comeback campaign two years removed from a torn ACL.

Other names previously tied to the job include ex-Miami Dolphins head coach and Pittsburgh Steelers defensive assistant Brian Flores, Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn and Bengals offensive coordinator Brian Callahan.

The Cardinals are looking to replace Kliff Kingsbury after parting ways with the four-year head coach. The team is also under new front office leadership now with general manager Monte Ossenfort calling the show.

The Cardinals' next new head coach has some work to do.

Arizona went just 4-13 last year after an 11-win campaign and playoff appearance the year before. Franchise quarterback Kyler Murray is also recovering from a torn ACL, and Kingsbury previously told reporters that he "probably" won't be ready for Week 1. The Cardinals also allowed the second-most points in football last year.

A tough NFC West division featuring the 13-win San Francisco 49ers and the upstart Seattle Seahawks doesn't help matters either.

Still, there's talent to work with in Arizona, including safety Budda Baker and wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins. Arizona also holds the No. 3 pick in this year's draft and could select a stud player or trade down for a haul of picks to improve the roster.