Kyler Murray is thought to be the reason the Arizona Cardinals are yet to land a head coach.
The Cardinals fired Kliff Kingsbury when their season ended and are one of two teams still searching for a head coach, with the Indianapolis Colts the other.
The Carolina Panthers were the first to bring someone in, hiring Frank Reich. The Denver Broncos and Houston Texans have since appointed Sean Payton and DeMeco Ryans, respectively.
The Cards remain without a coach, but it’s not for the want of trying. Payton is believed to have used them for leverage while Ryans canceled his interview. Sources note Reich was their main candidate while Dan Quinn was also a target before he decided to remain with the Dallas Cowboys.
According to Tony Pauline of Pro Football Network, Murray might be the reason coaches are hesitant to take the job in Arizona.
Murray tore his ACL/Meniscus in Week 14 and there’s no timeline set for his return just yet. The quarterback also has a reputation for not having the required attitude.
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Per Pauline:
Why is the Arizona Cardinals head coach job taking so long to fill? If you are to believe what people in Mobile are saying, it’s due to Kyler Murray — and it’s not because the quarterback has a large say in the matter,” said Pauline.
Rather, many of the desired candidates don’t want to take the job knowing they’ll be tied to the hip of Murray for the next four seasons. Murray signed a five-year, $230 million contract in late August, and anyone who takes the Cardinals job will have no options in the foreseeable future at quarterback.
Murray’s ability to run with the football is one of his biggest attributes. But there’s doubt he could return with the same explosiveness on the back of his serious injury.
