Ten months after extending the contracts of general manager Steve Keim and head coach Cliff Kingsburythe Arizona Cardinals are starting over.
After four seasons, the Cardinals dismissed Kingsbury on Monday, according to NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport. Later, the group confirmed the action.
Keim, who took an extended medical leave of absence last month, has also made the decision to leave his post in order to focus on his health, the club said.
“We have announced that head coach Kliff Kingsbury has been relieved of his duties,” the team said in a statement. “In addition, general manager Steve Keim has decided to step away from his position in order to focus on his health. The team wishes them well and thanks both of them for their contributions.”
In four seasons in the desert, Kingsbury had an appalling 4-13 record. Kingsbury signed a contract extension in March that ran until 2027, but owner Michael Bidwill still made a move.
The Cards finished 80-80-2 in Keim’s ten seasons in charge, making three postseason appearances while going 1-3 overall.
Not a great season for the Arizona Cardinals
Arizona sped to a 7-0 start, propelling the Cardinals 2021 season along with Kyler Murray’s outstanding play. But things have gone downhill since then. In Kingsbury’s third season, the Cardinals fought their way into the postseason only to lose to the eventual Super Bowl champion Rams.
Under Kingsbury, Arizona increased its victory total by three every season, going from 5-10-1 in 2019 to 8-8 in 2020 to 11-6 in 2021. But this season, everything went wrong.
The offense struggled immensely during a turbulent season that began with DeAndre Hopkins’ suspension and was highlighted by many injuries, including losing Murray to an ACL rupture. Under Kingsbury, Arizona’s averages for points and yards per game fell to 20.0 and 323.5, respectively.
The Cardinals’ roster was a jumble of famous players, but it lacked cohesion and depth. The coaching staff had trouble getting players to perform consistently on the field since several of Keim’s early draft decisions didn’t work out.
With a new head coach and general manager, the Cardinals will now try to find some new life.
Reports by Rapoport, according to a source, Vance Joseph, the Cardinals’ defensive coordinator, will receive extensive consideration for the open HC position.
There may be more changes on the way for the Arizona franchise. Due to his injury, Murray’s readiness for the start of the season is questionable. J.J. Watt, a defensive end, made a retirement announcement. Zach Allen, an edge rusher, is expected to enter the market. Rodney Hudson, Justin Pughand Kelvin Beachumstarters on the offensive line, are all unrestricted free agents.
In their last seven seasons, the Cardinals have missed the playoffs six times, and they haven’t won the NFC West since 2015.
