Former Miami Dolphins head coach and current Pittsburgh Steelers assistant coach Brian Flores has been listed as one of three final candidates for the vacant Arizona Cardinals head coaching position.
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the three remaining finalists are Flores, New York Giants offensive coordinator Mike Kafka, and Cincinnati Bengals defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo.
The Arizona Cardinals have informed several head coaching candidates that they are out of the running, per sources.
Steelers assistant coach Brian Flores, Giants offensive coordinator Mike Kafka and Bengals defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo are three known finalists.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) February 6, 2023
The coaches that were informed that they are no longer in the running for the Cardinals coaching position include Cardinals defensive coordinator Vance Joseph, Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, and Bengals offensive coordinator Brian Callahan.
Arizona DC Vance Joseph is among candidates informed, and as of now the team has not let him out of his contract to pursue other coordinator opportunities. Lions DC Aaron Glenn and Bengals OC Brian Callahan also are out, though both are alive in Indy.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) February 6, 2023
It appears that the Cardinals aren’t concerned with Flores’ ongoing lawsuit against a number of NFL teams for unfair treatment toward him during their head coaching hiring process because of his race.
Flores does have an extensive history with new Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort. Both started their careers in the New England Patriots scouting department.
The Cardinals struggled mightily on defense this past season, allowing 26.4 points per game. This stat was the second-worst in the NFL this past season, only ahead of the Chicago Bears.
Brian Flores is known primarily for his defensive prowess, so he could be a perfect match for the Cardinals organization.
