NFL Rumors on Cardinals' HC Finalists After Mike McCarthy to Steelers, Jesse Minter to Ravens

The Arizona Cardinals have narrowed down their head coaching search to three top choices as of Saturday afternoon, according to The Athletic's Dianna Russini.

Former Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris, Jacksonville Jaguars defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile and Los Angeles Rams offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur are the "lead candidates" to take over in Arizona, according to Russini.

LaFleur is slated for a second in-person interview on Monday and Tuesday, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

The Cardinals are one of four teams still looking for a head coach after the Baltimore Ravens hired Jesse Minter and the Pittsburgh Steelers hired Mike McCarthy.

The Buffalo Bills, Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders are also still seeking new head coaches.

The Cardinals had previously been linked to Minter as well as to Robert Saleh and Jeff Hafley, who have since been hired by the Tennessee Titans and Miami Dolphins, respectively.

NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported earlier this week the Cardinals were expected to have a "hard time attracting a top-tier coaching candidate because history has shown they haven't spent big money on coaches" like former head coach Jonathan Gannon.

Whoever takes the head coaching job in Arizona will also be entering an uncertain quarterback situation given the questions surrounding Kyler Murray's future with the franchise.

What the Cardinals ultimately decide among their remaining candidates could have a domino effect in terms of coordinator jobs across the NFL.

The Jaguars and Rams would both need to pivot elsewhere should the Cardinals choose either of their coordinators.

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler recently reported that Morris "is expected to have multiple defensive coordinator looks" should he not get the head coaching job in Arizona.

Fowler noted that Morris has ties to San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan, Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur and Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn.

There is precedent for Arizona being one of the final franchises left without a coach.

The Cardinals were the last NFL team to select a head coach both when hiring Bruce Arians in 2019 and bringing in Gannon in 2023, per ESPN's Josh Weinfuss, and general manager Monti Ossenfort said earlier this month he didn't want or expect the hiring to be "a quick process."