Arizona Cardinals and Mike McCarthy may have mutual interest
By Erik Lambert
After being declared the least-desirable job this past offseason, it seems things have improved for the Arizona Cardinals going into 2019.
This is due in large part to the presence of Josh Rosen at quarterback. Though his rookie year hasn’t been as stellar as Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold, there have been enough flashes of promise that would interest prospective head coaches. With the right expertise and development, he could become a genuine franchise quarterback. Somebody to carry the organization forward for the next 15 years.
One name who they may want to consider is Mike McCarthy. Though his falling out in Green Bay wasn’t ideal, the man survived on the job for 13 seasons, going to the playoffs almost every year and winning a Super Bowl. His work with Aaron Rodgers was also top notch. Given what Andy Reid has accomplished in Kansas City despite his falling out in Philadelphia, there’s no reason to think McCarthy can’t do the same.
Not only that, but according to Peter King of NBC Sports, it seems there’s interest from McCarthy in that Cardinals job.
"“The Mike McCarthy stuff out there is interesting. I hear he likes Arizona and would be interested in exploring the job. I heard the Cardinals have interest as well, so we’ll see, assuming Steve Wilks is one-and-done there.”"
Cardinals could do a lot worse in pairing McCarthy with Rosen
It’s easy to forget that McCarthy is still just 55-years old. While not a young gun anymore, he couldn’t be called old either. Not when somebody like Pete Carroll who is closing in on 70 is still competing for Coach of the Year honors. There’s every reason to think he’s got plenty of gas left in the tank, and his track record with quarterbacks is something that should appeal to Arizona.
Like Rodgers, Rosen is a California kid with a somewhat unique personality. McCarthy is already familiar with it and understands how to navigate such things. He’s a strong offensive mind who likes to run things through the quarterbacks. Something that will certainly appeal to Rosen. He also has a history of coaching up offensive line play, improving protection.
All things considered, one might see McCarthy as another Bruce Arians type. A bit on the older side but an intelligent motivator who sees the game through the eyes of the quarterback. Given how Arian fared in Arizona during his brief run, that certainly sounds like something they’d like.