The Arizona Cardinals and Las Vegas Raiders schedule final interviews today with Seattle Seahawks offenve coordinator Klint Kubiak, adhering to NFL rules that limit discusons during the season. Both teams remain without head coaches as January draws to a close, heightening the pressure amid the approaching NFL combine and free agency period. Eight other franchises have already completed their coaching changes, underscoring the urgency for Arizona and Las Vegas to act swiftly.
Kubiak’s Apparent Preference for Raiders
League sources indicate that Kubiak emerges as a top candidate, with the Raiders holding a slight edge in his interest. Discusons in NFL circles suggest he favors the Raiders potion if he decides to leave Seattle. ‘Klint Kubiak, Seattle OC, draws gnificant attention right now,’ an NFL inder noted. ‘The Raiders plan to meet him tomorrow in Seattle, as do the Arizona Cardinals. My sense is that he would prefer the Raiders job over the Cardinals if he pursues that path. It is not a certainty he departs Seattle.’
Kubiak has worked with multiple teams throughout his career and recently relocated his family to the Northwest, meaning any move requires a compelling opportunity. The Raiders, paired with general manager candidate Fernando Mendoza and the No. 1 overall draft pick, view Kubiak as their primary target.
Cardinals’ Backup Options and Risks
Teams prepare contingency plans amid the uncertainty. For the Cardinals, Los Angeles Rams offenve coordinator Mike LaFleur serves as a strong alternative. LaFleur conducted two in-person interviews with Arizona last week and potioned himself as the leading contender after Jacksonville Jaguars defenve coordinator Anthony Campanile withdrew from conderation.
The Cardinals pursue Kubiak as part of thorough due diligence, but concerns arise that general manager Monti Ossenfort and owner Michael Bidwill chase an unlikely outcome. Such efforts risk alienating LaFleur and leaving Arizona to select from a lower tier of candidates, including Atlanta Falcons defenve coordinator Raheem Morris, Baltimore Ravens defenve line coach Anthony Weaver, and posbly Denver Broncos defenve coordinator Vance Joseph.
This marks the second consecutive Cardinals coaching search extending into February, following the hiring of Jonathan Gannon on February 14, 2023. NFL regulations prohibit Kubiak from finalizing agreements or gning with a team until after the Super Bowl on February 9. Current developments potion the Cardinals as outders in the race for Kubiak.
