Being an NFL head coach is one of the most rare professions on the planet. There’s only 32 of them, after all. So when one becomes available, you’d assume there’d be a line out the door and around the block of candidates vying for the position. Well, this may not be the case in Arizona.
Following a disastrous 4-13 season, the Arizona Cardinals fired head coach Kliff Kingsbury in early January. However, they have failed to find a successor who can improve upon his 28-37-1 record. The Cardinals remain without a coach, and there could be a reason why. According to Tony Pauline of Pro Football Network, Kyler Murray could be the hold up.
The reason that the #Cardinals head coaching search is taking a long time to fill is related to QB Kyler Murray’s contract, per @PFN365
“Many of the desired candidates
don't want to take the job knowing they'll be tied to the hip of Murray for the next four seasons.” pic.twitter.com/xWW9L85h1j— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) February 2, 2023
Kyler Murray, when healthy, is a dynamic athlete. Someone who offensive coaches should theoretically love to get their hands on. But for now, Murray remains a bit of an albatross… especially his five-year, $230 million dollar contract he signed in August.
It’s likely not just the money scaring candidates away, it’s Murray’s attitude. Murray has been drama ever since arriving in the Valley of the Sun. Most notably, concerns from the Cardinals involving his worth ethic and leadership. Infamously, the Cardinals included a “study” clause in his contract, mandating at least four hours of film study a week.
Making matters worse, Murray tore his ACL in Week 14 this past season. Whoever the Cardinals eventually hire will have quite the challenge ahead of them.
