2 New Head Coaching Candiates Emerge in Arizona, and More NFC West News

If you listened to team president Michael Bidwill's press conference yesterday, you came away knowing there are three candidates the Arizona Cardinals are currently pursuing—Andy Reid, Mike McCoy and current defensive coordinator Ray Horton.

However, according to Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports, two more candidates have emerged as dark-horse favorites. The first name he mentions is Bill O'Brien from Penn State and the second is Steelers offensive coordinator Todd Haley.

La Canfora goes on to say:

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And while the Cards didn't rush to ask for permission to interview Steelers offensive coordinator Todd Haley, they already know him inside out, the Bidwill family are big fans, and I would not be surprised if he entered this equation at some point.

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Like he said, no official interview has been requested yet, but I could see Haley emerging as a candidate as well. It's doubtful he would get the job over Andy Reid or Ray Horton, but there's one thing that's a given: Haley would get the quarterback situation under control in a hurry.

Chiefs general manager Scott Pioli forced Matt Cassel on Haley and he squeezed everything possible out of Cassel during his tenure.

Less than 24 hours into Arizona's head coaching search they already have five prime candidates, so it will be interesting to see how this situation plays out. I expect the Cardinals to move rather quickly on hiring a coach as they don't want to be left behind.

Another name to keep an eye out for is Lovie Smith, former Chicago Bears head coach.

Arizona

NFL.com reports that the Arizona Cardinals are receiving interview requests for defensive coordinator Ray Horton.

Jesse Reed of Bleacher Report tells us why Andy Reid would be the perfect head coach for the Cardinals.

San Francisco

Gregg Rosenthal of NFL.com gives us the rundown on Brandon Jacobs and his release from the San Francisco 49ers.

Scott Semmler of Bleacher Report ranks the five best replacements for place-kicker David Akers.

Seattle

Mike Sando of ESPN talks about Seahawks cornerback Brandon Browner rejoining the team after his four-game suspension.

Soven Bery of Bleacher Report examines just how far the Seattle Seahawks can realistically go in the playoffs.

St. Louis

Brandon Birkhead of Turf Show Times looks at the St. Louis Rams MVP voting.

Corey Rudd of Bleacher Report breaks down three reasons why Sam Bradford should beg Steven Jackson to return.