As the Arizona Cardinals’ coaching search entered its second week on Tuesday, Jan. 13, the organization added two new names to its list of candidates.
The Cardinals requested interviews with Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter and Houston Texans defensive coordinator Matt Burke, according to reports. Minter has already conducted his interview with the Cardinals, Sports Illustrated reported.
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 05: Defensive coordinator Jesse Minter of the Los Angeles Chargers looks on against the Washington Commanders at SoFi Stadium on October 05, 2025 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
The Cardinals have not yet reached the second round of interviews with any candidates but their list has now grown to 12 options. Those coaches are as follows:
Advertisement
49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh
Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph (done)
Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver (done)
Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak (done)
Patriots passing game coordinator Thomas Brown
Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy (done)
Ex-Falcons head coach Raheem Morris (done)
Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley (scheduled)
Rams offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur (scheduled)
Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula
Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter (done)
Texans defensive coordinator Matt Burke
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – NOVEMBER 16: Defensive coordinator Matt Burke of the Houston Texans looks on during the first quarter against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on November 16, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)
The Cardinals have also reached out to former Ravens coach John Harbaugh, who is widely considered the most in-demand option on the market. Harbaugh, though, is working through his options as he determines which organizations to interview with. The Giants and Falcons are currently seen as the favorites for his services.
Among the 12 coaches with whom the Cardinals have requested interviews, eight come from defensive backgrounds — a reflection of this year’s coaching market, which is light on offensive playcallers.
While the Cardinals’ two newest options are both defensive coordinators, they offer different profiles.
Advertisement
Minter is viewed as one of the league’s most creative defensive playcallers and a key cog in the Chargers’ defensive success this season. Burke, on the other hand, has overseen the second best scoring defense in the NFL but has used a much more standard schematic approach, relying on the Texans’ elite talent at all three levels.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Arizona Cardinals add 2 more defensive coordinators to coaching search