But it\u2019s the two names currently not on the list that could really move the needle for the Cardinals this hiring cycle.<\/p>\n
If owner Michael Bidwill and general manager Monti Ossenfort want to bring some actual stability to Arizona, it starts with getting in touch with former Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh.<\/p>\n
After 18 seasons, 12 trips to the postseason, six AFC North titles, one Super Bowl and a 180-113 all-time record, Harbaugh is doing something he hasn\u2019t since 2008: Looking for work.<\/p>\n
He\u2019ll have no problem landing it, either, with plenty of teams already reportedly calling his agent. Were the Cardinals one of them? If not, Ossenfort better get on the line.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s expected Harbaugh will begin the interview process next week. If the Cardinals really want to help change the narrative around them, getting a shot at landing Harbaugh would be one way to do it.<\/p>\n
Sure, a Harbaugh hire will likely cost more than what we\u2019ve seen prior head coaches make in Arizona. It would also be a complete 180 from the franchise\u2019s optics the past couple decades with a name brand coach in the saddle.<\/p>\n
If Bidwill wants to avoid the question on whether or not he\u2019s willing to pay top dollar for a head coach, here\u2019s his big chance. In doing so, he would likely quench a lot of thirst from a fanbase that wants nothing more than to have a relevant product on the field.<\/p>\n
Even if Harbaugh doesn\u2019t sign up for the gig \u2014 he\u2019s reportedly conducting interviews next week<\/a> \u2014 just getting him in the door for an interview would mean something.<\/p>\n Because again, Harbaugh is very likely going to have his pick of the litter when it comes down to decision time.<\/p>\n As for the other name that should be on the list, look no further than former Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel.<\/p>\n The newest name to the hiring cycle, McDaniel is reportedly the top name<\/a> to watch from an offensive coordinator standpoint following his Thursday firing.<\/p>\n But why stop there?<\/p>\n As of Friday, McDaniel has just one reported head-coaching interview<\/a> lined up with the Tennessee Titans.<\/p>\n There\u2019s bound to be a few more teams testing the waters. The Cardinals should again be one of them.<\/p>\n On top of four years of head-coaching experience from his days in Miami, which resulted in a 35-33 mark and two playoff appearances, McDaniel<\/a> also knows what it takes to succeed in the NFC West given his time as the 49ers\u2019 run game coordinator (2017-20) and offensive coordinator (2021).<\/p>\n Just like that, two high-profile names are suddenly looking for a new home. The Cardinals need to be in the mix for one if not both of them. It\u2019s the kind of head-turning move that could have people thinking that much more about the Cardinals than just the doormat of the NFC West.<\/p>\n
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