The Cardinals just gave coach Kliff Kingsbury a four-year, $22 million contract extension in the 2022 NFL offseason. But that doesn't his job is safe from a midseason firing in the '22 regular season.
After Arizona went 11-6 and earned an NFC wild-card playoff berth last season, the team has struggled offensively with a much richer Kyler Murray. Despite showing an improved defense, that's led to a 2-4 start.
Will the Cardinals get impatient should the struggles continue and replace their 43-year-old before his fifth season? There's a chance depending on how late reality aligns (or doesn't align) with early expectations:
Cardinals replacement candidates for Kliff Kingsbury
Sean Payton, former Saints head coach (age: 58)
Payton will be in play for all the openings after his year stepping away from New Orleans. Getting him out of his contract there won't be too big of an obstacle in terms of compensation, given how much annual salary he will cost.
Payton would turn around any sputtering offense, especially one with a shorter quarterback featuring diverse receiving weapons and upside in the power rushing attack. He also has the rare available Super Bowl pedigree a la Mike McCarhty and Doug Pederson before him.
Shane Steichen, Eagles offensive coordinator (age: 37)
Steichen has done wonders with running and passing from Jalen Hurts, who followed Murray in the offense at Oklahoma. He might be a little young, but it seems smart to tap into the promising staff of Nick Sirianni, especially when envisioning a great fit with Murray.
Byron Leftwich, Buccaneers offensive coordinator (age: 42)
Leftwich used to work in Arizona with former Cardinals coach Bruce Arians. He has been a great protegee of the now retired Arians working the Tom Brady-led attack in Tampa Bay. He remains a strong candidate for a third straight year.
Shane Waldron, Seahawks offensive coordinator (age: 43)
Waldron has shown that Russell Wilson was a bigger problem in his system than the system itself that mixes good tempo and diverse personnel groupings. That profiles also makes him appealing in Arizona.
Eric Bieniemy, Chiefs offensive coordinator (age: 53)
Bieniemy should back in the hiring cycle for the latest round of openings given his work with Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid. If it doesn't happen for him in late 2022 or early 2023, it might not at all.
DeMeco Ryans, 49ers defensive coordinator (age: 38)
Ryans has done a terrific job with San Francisco's loaded defense with his scheming and energy. As much as making another tied to maximizing Murray makes sense, the Cardinals just need to target the best fit as an overall leader. Stealing Waldron or Ryans from a division rival is a bonus.
