As the Arizona Cardinals’ head coaching search continues, owner Michael Bidwill and general manager Monti Ossenfort must nail this decision.
With that in mind, the Cardinals step into their future with two names to watch, according to NFL insider Albert Breer.
Arizona has already missed out on various top candidates and is still one of six teams that have yet to fill their vacancy.
However, there is still hope to nab a quality candidate. With several assistants still coaching in the playoffs and therefore unable to interview, there are still tons of potential candidates.
Breer’s Names to Watch for the Arizona Cardinals
Breer’s names to watch include a familiar face for Arizona fans and an established play caller.
“I think Broncos DC Vance Joseph or Bills OC Joe Brady are two to watch,” said Breer.
“Joseph is beloved everywhere he goes. I think if the Bengals had to hire a coach this year, he’d be at the top of the list. He was probably runner-up to McDaniel in Miami in 2022, and the same goes for Arizona. He was an invaluable piece of Kingsbury’s Cardinals staff from 2019 to ’22. Kingsbury, in fact, would tell anyone who’d listen how good a head coach Joseph would be if he got a second chance.
“As for Brady, some of this dates back to the one that got away for Cardinals ownership: Sean McVay. After the 2016 season, there were whispers that Bruce Arians could retire, and then-GM Steve Keim had McVay at the top of his list of replacements. Arians stayed another year, McVay went to L.A., and you know the rest. Since, Michael Bidwill has had his eye out for candidates similar to McVay. Brady could fit that bill.”
Joseph was most recently a head coach for the Broncos from 2017-18, accumulating an 11-21 record. He was then the Cardinals’ defensive playcaller for four seasons with middling results.
After coming back to Denver in 2023, he has since had high levels of success. During the 2025 season, his defense was one of the best in football, third in scoring and first in sacks with 68.
As for Brady, he has been the Bills’ offensive coordinator since 2023. Under his leadership, the Bills’ offense has consistently finished near the top of the league.
In 2024, he saw his quarterback win MVP. In 2025, he had the top rushing offense in football.
Would it be a Good Move to Bring Either Name in?
With Joseph, it could be a good move, given his recent success in Denver. But would the fans respect the decision? Probably not after his first stint in Arizona.
Due to Denver still being in the playoffs, he would be able to get a second interview no earlier than the day after the AFC Championship.
As for Brady, it might be a savvy move, given his success in Buffalo. He would likely be a fan-favorite if the Cardinals could snag a franchise quarterback in the near future, given his track record with Josh Allen.
Since Buffalo was eliminated in the AFC Divisional round, he can be hired at any point going forward.
Whatever the Cardinals do, it must be the right move, or it could spell certain doom for Ossenfort.
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