Cardinals head coach rumor from The Athletic reveals Arizona's top three candidates

The Arizona Cardinals are still looking for a head coach after firing Jonathan Gannon at the end of the 2025 season, but it looks like the franchise is getting closer and closer to making a hire.

According to Dianna Russini of The Athletic, Arizona has three lead candidates for their head coaching job. Those candidates are former Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris, Jacksonville Jaguars defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile, and Los Angeles Rams offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur.

"Right now the Arizona Cardinals consider Raheem Morris, Anthony Campanile, and Mike LaFleur as their lead candidates, per sources," Russini reported on X.

Morris, Campanile, and LaFleur all interviewed with the Cardinals at some point over the last few weeks, with Campanile also receiving a second interview.

Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver is also set for a second interview, and according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Arizona will also look to schedule one with LaFleur.

There hasn't been much talk connecting Morris to the Cardinals' head coach job, though he did have an in-person interview with the Cardinals.

However, Morris landing Arizona's defensive coordinator gig seems like a stronger possibility. The former Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator is regarded as a highly capable defensive mind around the league.

Campanile and LaFleur are two promising young coordinators who would be solid hires from the Cardinals. Both flourished in their respective positions this season, with LaFleur still coaching for the Rams as they square off against the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Championship Game on Sunday.

It's been a lengthy search for the Cardinals, but it looks like we should know who Arizona's hire will be sooner rather than later.