Can you return a package deal?
The Cardinals went all-in on hoping Kliff Kingsbury would lead a new generation of NFL offenses with the Cardinals in 2019. All-in meant getting him their passer of the future, too, with Kyler Murray and moving on from Josh Rosen after just a season. Now, the duo might be heading for a breakup.
A slow Arizona start and questions surrounding their head coach and offense at large mean changes might be made if the 2-4 Redbirds don’t figure it out soon.
With DeAndre Hopkins returning on Thursday night and the Cardinals adding Robbie Anderson via trade, the Cardinals — and specifically Kingsbury — likely are feeling a bit of a sense of urgency heading into their matchup against the Saints.
If not, then expect Kingsbury’s seat to get very, very hot.
MORE: NFL coaches on the hot seat — Does Kliff Kingsbury top the list?
Here’s the latest on Kingsbury’s job security:
Will the Cardinals fire Kliff Kingsbury?
With a 2-4 start to the season, it’s easy to see why Kingbsury might be on the hot seat. That said, speculation surrounding his job security has been just that — speculation.
There has been no real concrete reporting on Kingsbury’s job status so far this season, despite the slow start. The suspension of DeAndre Hopkins and the Cardinals’ difficult schedule to start the year are two factors that could be cutting Kingsbury some slack.
Their 67.0 PFF grade on offense is 20th in the league and has only put up 114 points, which is 22nd in the league. That’s not the most glowing review for a head coach who was heralded as an offensive guru when he made the jump to the NFL.
To that end, the job that Kingsbury has done in 2022 and in years past hasn’t exactly earned him goodwill among the Cardinals fanbase — or the people on the outside who are paying attention.
Kliff Kingsbury is stealing money. Wake up, Cardinals. #BirdCityFootball pic.twitter.com/NchoAn3GNG
— Damon Amendolara (@DAonCBS) October 17, 2022
“They look awful.”@danorlovsky7 says Kliff Kingsbury’s job is now on the line in Arizona. #KJM pic.twitter.com/3xxCouynHZ
— Keyshawn, JWill & Max (@KeyJayandMax) October 17, 2022
That court of public opinion may hold that power, too. With Carolina’s Matt Rhule the first head coach to get the axe this season, Vegas seems to believe that Kingsbury might be next in line. According to Sportsbetting.AG, Kingsbury has the best odds (-105) to be the next coach fired. Others on the list: Ron Rivera (+200), Nathaniel Hackett (+300) and Dan Campbell (+1200).
Interestingly, the Cardinals gave Kingsbury a three-year contract extension this offseason, keeping him locked into Arizona through 2027. General manager Steve Keim also received a contract extension to mirror Kingsbury’s.
While contracts are signed to be fulfilled, coaches are also hired to be fired. It’ll be worth watching how Kingsbury navigates the waters the remainder of the 2022 season.
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