Ron Rivera Reportedly Interviews for Cardinals HC Job amid Latest Rumors on Search

Former Carolina Panthers and Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera reportedly interviewed for the Arizona Cardinals' head-coaching vacancy, according to Dianna Russini of The Athletic.

The Cardinals are just one of three teams still without a head coach this cycle, joining the Las Vegas Raiders and Cleveland Browns.

Russini previously reported that former Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris, Jacksonville Jaguars defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile and Los Angeles Rams offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur were the leading candidates for the gig.

The Jaguars announced on Tuesday, however, that both Campanile and offensive coordinator Grant Udinski are both returning for the 2026 season. Udinski had been one of the finalists for Cleveland's vacancy.

The Cardinals weren't considered one of the better openings this cycle for a number of reasons. The uncertainty surrounding Kyler Murray's future in Arizona is one mark against them, but is the organization's past hiring practices.

Reporter Jordan Schultz noted last week that the Cardinals don't traditionally spend big money for head coaches:

Long coaching searches have also been the norm in Arizona. They were the final team to hire their coach in both 2023 (Jonathan Gannon) and 2013 (Bruce Arians), per ESPN's Josh Weinfuss, and also waited until Jan. 22 to bring aboard Steve Wilks in 2018.

As for Rivera, the 64-year-old put together a 102-103-2 record as the head coach of the Panthers (2011-19) and Commanders (2020-23), with five total playoff berths and one Super Bowl trip. He has been serving as Cal football's general manager since 2025.